Last updates:
- March 6, 2026: New article added about the staged NZ iGaming licensing process starting July 2026. Read more →
New Zealand is rolling out its own online casino license system, coming into effect in 2026. This page tracks the latest updates, regulations, and operator applications as the licensing framework unfolds.
Key Updates / Timeline
Timeline of Implementation
| Date | Event | Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| April 2025 | New gambling law expected | ✔️ Completed | Legal framework established |
| End of 2025 | Regulator fully operational | ✔️ Completed | Department of Internal Affairs ready |
| Feb 2026 | License applications open | ⏳ In Progress | Operators can submit interest |
| Apr 2026 | NZ gaming market opens | ⚠️ Upcoming | First licensed casinos start |
| July 1, 2026 | Under‑18 gambling enforced | ⚠️ Upcoming | Age verification rules apply |
| Dec 31, 2026 | All unlicensed operators prohibited | ⚠️ Upcoming | Fines and enforcement |
Licensing System
Important:
Only 15 NZ online casino licenses will be issued. Operators without a license face fines up to NZ$5 million.
- Up to 15 licenses available through a three-stage process:
- Expressions of interest
- Competitive bidding
- Formal application
- Licenses valid for 3 years initially, with a one-time renewal of up to 5 years.
- Only operators meeting stringent compliance and suitability standards will be licensed.
Advertising & Operational Rules
- Licensed operators can advertise, but with specific restrictions to guide users away from offshore platforms.
- Licensees cannot extend credit for gambling.
- No access for under-18s.
- Platforms must operate at least 270 days per year and collect user data for compliance and anti-money laundering purposes.
Enforcement & Penalties
- Department of Internal Affairs oversees licensing, compliance, and enforcement.
- Can issue warnings, take-down notices, and enforce compliance measures.
- Civil fines: up to NZ$300,000 for individuals, NZ$5 million for corporations.
- Criminal fines for facilitating gambling by minors: up to NZ$10,000.
- Unlicensed operators fined up to NZ$5 million.
Market Safeguards
- Operators offering games similar to New Zealand’s protected lotteries (e.g., Lotto, Powerball) are ineligible for licenses.
Integration with Existing Betting Sector
- Follows Racing Industry Act 2020 updates, limiting online sports/racing betting to state-backed TAB NZ.
- Global partner Entain plc pledged NZ$100 million to support the transition.
What Players Need to Know
New Zealand wants to make online casinos safer for Kiwis by limiting operations to only 15 licensed casinos. Politician Brooke van Velden says her aim is NOT to increase online gambling but rather to enable Kiwis to gamble online in a safer environment than it is today.
In today’s situation, Kiwis can play at 100s of off-shore casinos completely legally, but that in itself also means that many players may choose bad casinos that also don’t even have to bother to follow the rules and laws that exist in New Zealand. By introducing a new license system that only allows 15 online casinos to operate in the country, it is easier to control and guarantee players greater security, says Brooke van Velden, which is exactly what she wants to do.
1. Gaming problems will automatically decrease
It is also believed that gambling problems in the country will be drastically reduced with the new licensing system. The reason for this is that operators with a NZ license are forced to introduce various technical solutions such as a stricter age verification system. Casinos must also change their design and marketing ads so that they are NOT appealing to children.
2. $5 million in fines for those who break the law
That casinos comply with the new license rules in New Zealand will be ensured with incredibly high fines for those who do not comply with the rules. New Zealand says that it should be possible to fine these gambling companies with sums of up to NZ$5 million if they do not follow the rules.
3. The new license system comes into effect in 2026
Already next year, i.e. 2025, New Zealand will start planning the new licensing system and it is believed that it will come into effect early in 2026.
4. 15 licenses will be auctioned
Previously we thought that New Zealand will only award 10 licenses when the new gambling laws come into effect, but now we have a statement from van Velden that 15 licenses will be auctioned. They still think that the number of licenses should be kept down because statistics show that 15 of New Zealand’s best casinos account for 90% of the revenue and because they find it much easier and less expensive to manage 15 operators, which means a bigger profit for the country.
5. Casinos that have already shown interest in the license
On the 9th of September, a test was carried out where you can already see which operators are interested in acquiring a license in New Zealand under the new license system. The casinos that have shown great interest include SkyCity, Tab NZ, Grand Casino Dunedin, Christchurch casino, and the off-shore casinos 888, Bet365 and Entain, which operates Ladbrokes, Bwin and several other casinos.
Yes, as you can see TAB NZ will also need a license from the country to be able to offer games online. In other words, the local casino operators have no advantage whatsoever over the off-shore casinos when the licenses are to be auctioned.
Operators Applying for NZ Online Casino Licenses
Below is a current overview of operators who have expressed interest in obtaining a New Zealand online casino license. We will update this table as applications are submitted, approved, or rejected, helping players keep track of the licensing process.
| Operator | License Status | Notes | Source / Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| SkyCity | Applied | Already operates an online casino under MGA license; waiting for NZ license | SkyCity |
| TAB NZ | Applied | State-backed operator; must obtain NZ license for online betting | TAB NZ |
| Christchurch Casino | Applied | Online casino under MGA license; waiting for NZ license | Christchurch Casino |
| Grand Casino Dunedin | Applied | No online version yet | Grand Casino |
| Entain (Ladbrokes, Bwin) | Applied | International operator with 25-year TAB partnership | Entain |
| 888 | Applied | Offshore operator | 888 |
| Bet365 | Applied | Offshore operator | Bet365 |
Explained:
- Applied – operator has submitted an application or expressed interest
- Approved – operator has received the NZ license (to be updated)
- Rejected – operator denied the license (to be updated)
Last updated: March 6, 2026
Two local players already have online casinos
Skycity casino and Christchurch casino have already launched their own casinos under an MGA license. The idea behind this is to be ready to offer Kiwis online versions just like the off-shore casinos once a license is in place and thus be able to contribute even more to giving back to the country, something that Skycity and Christchurch already do with their country-based casinos. The only local player remaining is Grand Casino Dunedin which currently does not have an online version.
Summary of everything we know now
New Zealand has confirmed that a new licensing system is coming and is expected to be ready by 2026. A limited number of licenses will be tendered to operators, and we’ve already identified several that have expressed interest in obtaining a New Zealand license.
Operators without a NZ license will not be allowed to market themselves in the country, and fines of up to NZ$5 million may be imposed. Non-compliant operators could also face reporting to international authorities, potentially affecting their licenses elsewhere.
Licensed NZ casinos will be able to offer faster withdrawals by cooperating directly with New Zealand banks, providing smoother, safer, and quicker transactions. The license will apply only to casinos, not to lotteries or sports betting.
Bonuses may be limited under the new rules. For example, in Sweden, operators can offer only one bonus per customer and only on a single casino, even if they operate multiple brands under the same license. You can read more about these rules on bästonlinecasino.com. In other words, reload bonuses could disappear under similar NZ regulations.
Things We Don’t Know Yet:
- Exact launch day in April 2026
- Bonus rules for NZ licensed brands
- Self-shutdown filter implementation
- Revenue projections for NZ market
- Will 15 licenses push players to unlicensed casinos?
Our approach to NZ licensing and offshore casinos
Online casinos for New Zealand players are currently in a transition phase. New Zealand is in the process of introducing a licensing system for online casino operators, but until that system is fully in place, Kiwis mostly play at offshore casinos that hold licences from other jurisdictions.
We believe it’s important to be transparent about this.
How we view licences and regulation
Our long-term goal is simple:
To recommend online casinos that are properly licensed, regulated and safe for New Zealand players.
Right now, there is no fully operational New Zealand licence for online casinos, so the brands we feature are typically licensed in other reputable jurisdictions (for example Malta, Curacao or similar). These licences still provide rules and player protection, but they are not the same as a future New Zealand licence.
We do not operate any casino ourselves. We are an information and comparison site, and our role is to:
- Explain how licensing and regulation work
- Highlight which casinos hold recognised licences
- Help players understand the risks of playing at offshore casinos
What will change when NZ introduces online casino licences?
As soon as New Zealand’s own licensing framework for online casinos is live and operators can obtain a local licence, our approach will change accordingly.
Our intention is to:
- Prioritise casinos that hold a valid New Zealand licence
- Clearly highlight which brands are locally licensed versus purely offshore
- Update our reviews, rankings and recommendations to reflect the new regulatory environment
In other words, once a proper NZ licence exists, our recommended list will focus on casinos that meet those local requirements.
Our commitment in the meantime
Until the new system is fully in place, we aim to:
- Only list casinos that we consider to be relatively safe and transparent
- Check for clear licensing information, basic player protection tools and fair terms
- Provide honest information about risks, limits and responsible gambling
We always remind players that online gambling involves financial risk and that laws and regulations can change. You should only play if you are over 18, understand the risks and are comfortable with the legal situation in your country.
If you are unsure about the current legal status of online gambling in New Zealand, we strongly recommend that you seek independent legal advice or read the latest information from New Zealand authorities before playing.
Important links
- https://www.gamblingcommission.govt.nz/ – Responsible for NZ casino licenses
External articles
- New Zealand launches process to regulate online casino (igamingbusiness.com)
- New Zealand’s new Online Gambling Bill will see up to 15 licenses offered – IAG
- New Zealand imposes heavy fines on unlicensed online casinos | AGB
FAQ
What are the safest licenses right now before NZ gets their license?
Right now, the MGA license is the safest. You can read more about the different licenses and see how safe they are on the casino licenses page.
Will profits have to be taxed?
No, there is no indication of that. Tax on profits is tax free in NZ and probably will continue to be, but the operators will need tax in the country.
Will I not be able to play lotto or sports anymore?
Yes, but this will be offered through the local operators only to maintain the monopoly and make sure players are protectedm to the fullest.
What are the safest licenses before NZ launches its own?
Currently, reputable offshore licenses from Malta, Curacao, etc.
Latest Updates
- March 6, 2026: Added table of operators applying for NZ online casino licenses, including SkyCity, TAB NZ, Christchurch Casino, Grand Casino Dunedin, Entain, 888, and Bet365.
- March 6, 2026: Updated timeline to reflect exact status of license applications and upcoming enforcement dates.
- March 6, 2026: Added highlights and icons for key dates and penalties.
- March 6, 2026: Enhanced readability with headings, links to operators, and references to external sources.
- March 6, 2026: Removed redundant bullet list in favor of table view.