Online Gambling Rules in New Zealand
The Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 establishes a licensing regime for online casino gambling in New Zealand. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is introducing the system in stages, with full operation expected in 2027.
Current Law and Transition Dates
The Act sets out the licensing system for online casino services. The DIA is administering the transition and application process.
The licensing auction concluded on 12 October 2026. Eleven entities won the right to apply for up to 15 licences; an auction win is not a licence.
- Online casino advertising to New Zealand customers is prohibited during the transition.
- Providers that operated before 1 May 2026 may continue under transitional rules until 1 December 2026. Providers that have not applied by then must cease operating. Applicants awaiting a decision may continue without advertising.
- The DIA expects the licensed system to be fully operational in 2027.
Read the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 and the DIA provider update for current requirements.
What Counts as Online Casino Gambling
Under the statutory definitions applied by the Department of Internal Affairs, online casino gambling covers:
- Digital slot machines (video pokies) featuring spinning reels and computerized random number generation.
- Live dealer table games (blackjack, baccarat, roulette) streamed across digital networks.
- Digital table games and interactive video poker games.
Notably, sports betting and race wagering remain governed by the Racing Industry Act 2020 under TAB NZ, while state lotteries remain exclusively under Lotto NZ.
