New Zealand to Begin Three-Stage Online Casino Licensing Process in July

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New Zealand will begin a three-stage licensing process for online casino operators in July 2026, according to a timeline announced by the country’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). 

The only lawful way for New Zealanders to play online casino games will be by using one of the country’s 15 newly licensed platforms. This marks a significant change from New Zealand’s offshore-dominated iGaming gray market, with more than NZD 750 million (approx. USD 440 million) leaving New Zealand to offshore online casinos a year.

The framework introduces new consumer protections and harm minimization provisions and is being developed under the government’s proposed Online Casino Gambling Bill. The bill is currently progressing through parliament. 

The key provisions of the Online Casino Gambling Bill will apply from May 1, 2026 and December 1, 2026. 

From May 1, 2026, New Zealand will give its regulator more powers to enforce advertising prohibitions and issue take-down notices, while increasing maximum penalties from NZD 10,000 (approx. USD 5,900) to NZD 300,000 (approx. USD 177,000) for individuals and NZD 5 million (approx. USD 2.96 million) for businesses. Licensed online casinos, however, will be able to advertise lawfully in New Zealand. 

According to the three-stage licensing process, operators first need to submit an expression of interest in July, including information about the applicant and key officers. 

This will be followed by an auction of 15 online casino licences in September among those who have submitted an expression of interest. No bidder will be granted more than three licenses. In October, successful bidders will then pay the bid amount and apply for a license, submitting a comprehensive business plan and blueprint for regulatory compliance.

Unlicensed providers will be required to cease online casino operations in New Zealand from December 1, 2026. Licences will be valid for three years, with the possibility of renewal for up to five additional years. Detailed online casino gambling regulations are expected to be published in mid-2026.