New Zealand is introducing its own license system for online casinos which will come into effect before the year 2026. On this page I will keep you updated on everything that happens until then, in the heat of the moment and also afterwards.
Updates:
Below we list all the updates that occur with New Zealand’s new licensing system for online casinos.
- According to NZ, the new gambling law should already be in place in April 2025.
- After that, a regulator must be created before the end of 2025.
- In February 2026, online casinos will begin to be licensed.
- April 2026 the new gaming market in NZ will start with its own licensing system.
Here is everything that we do know already
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.
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.
$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.
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.
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.
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.
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 stated that a new licensing system is on the way and that it should be ready by year 2026.
- It has also been said that there will be a limited number of licenses and that these will be tendered to the operators.
- We have created a list of operators that we believe are most likely to have the new NZ license and already now we know that some of these have shown an interest in acquiring the new NZ license.
- Operators who lack a NZ license will not be allowed to market themselves in the country, and fines of up to NZ$5 million may be sought in damages. In addition, these operators will be reported to international organizations so that they risk having their license revoked in other parts of the world as well.
- Withdrawals at NZ licensed casinos will be significantly faster as the operators will from then on be able to cooperate with New Zealand banks to offer smoother, safer and faster transactions.
- The license will only be offered to casinos, NOT for lotto and/or sports betting.
- Bonuses can be limited like for example in Sweden according to bästonlinecasino.com where operetors only can offer one bonus to custumers and only in one of their casino if they have more then one under the same license. The bonuses can also be limited to only one bonus that can be offerd and that is only the first time a custumer makes a deposit. In other words reload bonuses can disapear.
Things we dont know yet
- The new licensing system should be in place early in 2026, but we don’t know the exact date yet.
- What rules will apply to bonuses and offers on the NC licensed brands.
- If there will be a self-shutdown filter for all licensed brands, but our guess is that i will be one.
- How much revenue these will generate for the country!
- Will only 15 casinos lead to more and more players going to unlicensed casinos like in other countries?
Important links
- https://www.gamblingcommission.govt.nz/ – Responsible for NZ casino licenses
External articles
- New Zealand launches process to regulate online casino (igamingbusiness.com)
- As New Zealand begins plans to regulate the online casino market, what does it mean for the country? (next.io)
- 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?
UdYes, but this will be offered through the local operators for now.