New Zealand is introducing a regulated licensing system for online casino gambling. This guide explains the licensing process, the companies that secured the right to apply, and the difference between an application opportunity and an approved licence.
Companies Selected to Apply
The Department of Internal Affairs announced 11 successful auction participants on 13 October 2026. These companies secured the right to progress to the licence application stage. This does not mean they have been granted a licence.
Baytree Interactive Limited
Right to applyThis company was named among the successful participants in New Zealand's online casino licensing auction.
Christchurch Online NZ Limited
Right to applyThis company was named among the successful participants in New Zealand's online casino licensing auction.
One Casino Limited
Right to applyThis company was named among the successful participants in New Zealand's online casino licensing auction.
Playvia Gaming (NZ) Limited
Right to applyThis company was named among the successful participants in New Zealand's online casino licensing auction.
Rock Swift Group Limited
Right to applyThis company was named among the successful participants in New Zealand's online casino licensing auction.
Rush Entertainment Limited
Right to applyThis company was named among the successful participants in New Zealand's online casino licensing auction.
Skill On Net Limited
Right to applyThis company was named among the successful participants in New Zealand's online casino licensing auction.
SkyCity NZ Online NO1 Limited
Right to applyThis company was named among the successful participants in New Zealand's online casino licensing auction.
SkyCity NZ Online NO2 Limited
Right to applyThis company was named among the successful participants in New Zealand's online casino licensing auction.
Stake New Zealand Limited
Right to applyThis company was named among the successful participants in New Zealand's online casino licensing auction.
TAB New Zealand
Right to applyThis company was named among the successful participants in New Zealand's online casino licensing auction.
Important: An application right is not a licence
All successful participants must complete the detailed application and assessment process. A company must demonstrate that it is suitable to hold a licence and can comply with New Zealand's regulatory requirements.
The Department of Internal Affairs has stated that approved brands will be published on its public register after licences are granted.
How the Licensing Process Works
Expression of Interest
Interested businesses submitted information for consideration in the licensing process.
Licence Auction
The auction determined which entities could proceed to apply for the available licences.
Application and Assessment
Successful participants must submit detailed applications and pass regulatory assessment before a licence can be granted.
NZ Licensed Online Casinos – New Zealand Casino Licence Guide
Learn how online casino licensing works in New Zealand, how to identify a licensed operator, and what the new regulatory framework means for players.
Online casino licensing in New Zealand
New Zealand is introducing a regulated licensing system for online casino gambling. The framework establishes requirements for operators, consumer protection, responsible gambling and compliance with New Zealand law.
For players searching for NZ licensed online casinos, the most important distinction is between an operator that has permission to apply for a licence and an operator that has actually been granted one.
These are different stages of the licensing process. An auction result, an application or an operator's existing overseas licence does not, by itself, establish that the operator holds a New Zealand online casino licence.
Check the operator against the official New Zealand licensing information. Confirm the legal entity, the casino brand covered by the licence and any applicable licence conditions.
Read the official player guidanceNZ licensed online casinos
A New Zealand casino licence is specific to the authorised operator and brand. Use official licensing records to establish which online casinos are covered by the regulatory framework.
Understanding the NZ licensed casino market
Before treating any casino as New Zealand licensed, confirm that a licence has actually been issued and that it covers the relevant operator and brand.
Check official licensing informationThis guide is independent informational content. The official government register and regulatory information take precedence over third-party listings.
What is a New Zealand online casino licence?
A New Zealand online casino licence is a regulatory authorisation to conduct online casino gambling under the country's licensing framework.
The Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 establishes the legal framework for the licensing system. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is responsible for implementing and administering the regime.
Licensed operators must meet the applicable regulatory requirements, including obligations relating to consumer protection, record-keeping, harm prevention and minimisation.
How does the licensing process work?
Eligibility and initial assessment
Prospective operators must meet the applicable requirements to participate in the licensing process.
Competitive allocation process
Eligible participants proceed through the prescribed process for obtaining the right to apply for a licence.
Licence application and assessment
The applicant must submit the required information and demonstrate its suitability before a licence can be granted.
Winning the right to apply is not the same as receiving a licence. This distinction is essential when assessing claims that a casino is licensed in New Zealand.
Official licensing and compliance informationHow to check if an online casino is licensed in NZ
When researching an online casino, use the following steps to assess whether its New Zealand licensing claims can be substantiated.
Find the legal operator name
Identify the company operating the casino. A trading name may differ from the legal entity named in regulatory records.
Consult official government records
Use DIA licensing information and the official register when available. Do not rely solely on a casino's own claims.
Match the licence to the casino brand
Check that the authorisation applies to the specific brand and operator you are researching, rather than an unrelated company or another jurisdiction.
Review the licence conditions
Where information is available, check the licence reference, validity and any applicable restrictions.
A licence issued by an overseas regulator does not automatically constitute a New Zealand online casino licence. Likewise, a company participating in the NZ licensing process should not be described as licensed until the relevant authorisation is confirmed.
Player protection and casino regulation
Licensing is intended to establish clear obligations for operators and provide regulatory oversight. The applicable New Zealand rules address several important areas.
Consumer protection
Regulatory requirements govern relevant operator responsibilities and consumer protection processes.
Responsible gambling
Harm prevention and minimisation are important elements of the New Zealand regulatory framework.
Terms and conditions
Read the applicable terms, withdrawal conditions, identity verification requirements and dispute procedures.
Regulatory compliance
Operators must comply with the legislation, regulations and conditions applicable to their authorisation.
A licence should not be interpreted as a guarantee of winnings, risk-free gambling or an absence of disputes.
Deposits, withdrawals and verification
Payment options and withdrawal procedures vary between online casinos. A casino's payment methods do not establish whether it holds a New Zealand licence.
What should players look for?
- Clear deposit and withdrawal terms.
- Published processing times and applicable fees.
- Identity verification and account security requirements.
- Transparent bonus terms and wagering conditions, where relevant.
- Accessible complaints procedures and responsible gambling information.
Always check the applicable law and the operator's terms before depositing money or providing personal information.
NZ casino licence rules and advertising restrictions
The Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 and its supporting regulations establish the framework for online casino gambling in New Zealand. The rules cover licensing, operator obligations, consumer protection, harm minimisation and advertising.
New Zealand's online casino advertising rules also apply to relevant third-party advertising. The Department of Internal Affairs has identified restrictions on affiliate marketing and paid endorsements in its initial regulatory decisions.
A casino receiving a licence does not automatically mean that every type of third-party promotion, referral arrangement or affiliate link is permitted. Applicable advertising requirements must be assessed separately.
Read the official advertising guidanceFrequently asked questions about NZ casino licences
What is an NZ licensed online casino?
An NZ licensed online casino is an online casino operating under a licence granted within New Zealand's online casino gambling regulatory framework. The operator and relevant brand should be confirmed using official licensing information.
How can I find casinos with a NZ licence?
Consult the Department of Internal Affairs and its official licensing information. Use the government register when available to confirm the operator and brand rather than relying on promotional claims.
Does winning a licence auction mean a casino is licensed?
No. Winning the right to apply is a stage in the licensing process. The applicant must still undergo the required assessment and receive a licence.
Is an overseas casino licence sufficient in New Zealand?
An overseas licence does not, by itself, establish that a casino holds a New Zealand online casino licence. The applicable New Zealand rules and the operator's authorisation must be checked separately.
What does the NZ casino licensing system regulate?
The framework covers the authorisation of online casino operators and requirements relating to compliance, consumer protection, record-keeping and harm prevention and minimisation.
Are NZ licensed casinos allowed to advertise?
Licensed operators may advertise subject to the applicable restrictions. Third-party advertising and affiliate arrangements must also comply with the relevant rules. A licence does not make every promotional method lawful.
Does a casino licence guarantee safe gambling?
No. Licensing provides a regulatory framework and imposes obligations on operators, but gambling still involves financial risk. Players should understand the terms and use available responsible gambling protections.
Where can I find official New Zealand casino licensing information?
The Department of Internal Affairs publishes information about online casino gambling, licensing and regulatory requirements.