Online Casino Licensing in New Zealand
The Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 establishes a capped licensing system administered by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). The auction has concluded; successful bidders must now apply and pass the DIA assessment before any licence is granted.
Licence Application and Assessment
Applicants for a New Zealand digital casino operator licence will be required to satisfy demanding statutory conditions before being eligible to participate in the licensing auction:
The 2026 auction produced 11 successful entities for up to 15 available licences. Winning the right to apply does not guarantee approval. Each application must go through the DIA's assessment process.
Under the Act, licences cover a single brand and its platforms, last up to three years, and may be renewed for a further five years. No entity may hold more than three licences.
See the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, the Online Casino Gambling Regulations 2026, and the DIA licensing update for the current process.
Operator Standards and Responsibilities
- Harm prevention: Operators must meet the Act's harm prevention and minimisation requirements.
- Consumer protection and records: The regulations set requirements for consumer protections and record-keeping.
- Advertising and marketing: Advertising rules apply to licensed providers; advertising to New Zealand customers is prohibited during the current transition.
- Fees and levies: The regulations cover fees, levies and charges for the licensed regime.
Compliance During the Transition
Providers must follow the Act and its regulations. From 1 December 2026, providers that have not applied for a licence must cease operating in New Zealand. Providers with an application under consideration may continue without advertising while the DIA makes a decision.
