The New Zealand Online Casino Bill 2026 represents a landmark shift in the domestic gambling landscape, transitioning from an unregulated "grey market" to a structured, licensed environment. For Kiwi players, the most immediate impact is a significant reduction in choice; instead of thousands of offshore sites, players will be legally limited to just 15 licensed platforms. This regulatory pivot is designed to prioritize consumer protection, mandating that all authorized operators implement rigorous harm minimisation tools, such as compulsory age verification and the ability for players to set their own time and spending limits. Furthermore, the legislation introduces a dedicated 4% community levy and a 12% offshore gambling duty (set to rise to 16% in 2027), ensuring that a portion of gambling revenue remains in New Zealand to fund grassroots sports and social initiatives. While these changes offer enhanced safety and local economic benefits, they also come with stricter controls, including a total ban on credit card deposits and limited advertising visibility.
- Limited Operator Pool: Only 15 licenses will be issued via a competitive auction process, meaning many current offshore favorites may disappear from the local market.
- Mandatory Safety Tools: Players must be prompted to set deposit and time limits at account creation, though they can currently choose to opt out of specific caps.
- Credit Card Prohibition: To prevent debt-funded gambling, all licensed apps are prohibited from accepting credit cards or "Buy Now Pay Later" facilities.
- Local Tax Contributions: Licensed platforms must pay a 12% duty and a 1.24% problem gambling levy, providing a financial safety net for the country.
- Strict Age Verification: Digital ID checks are mandatory before any deposit can be made, ensuring users are at least 18 years old.
Limited Operator Pool: Only 15 licenses will be issued via a competitive auction process, meaning many current offshore favorites may disappear from the local market.
Mandatory Safety Tools: Players must be prompted to set deposit and time limits at account creation, though they can currently choose to opt out of specific caps.
Credit Card Prohibition: To prevent debt-funded gambling, all licensed apps are prohibited from accepting credit cards or "Buy Now Pay Later" facilities.
Local Tax Contributions: Licensed platforms must pay a 12% duty and a 1.24% problem gambling levy, providing a financial safety net for the country.
Strict Age Verification: Digital ID checks are mandatory before any deposit can be made, ensuring users are at least 18 years old.
The End of the Grey Market and Licensing Structure
Historically, New Zealand’s Gambling Act 2003 effectively prohibited domestic online casinos while leaving a massive loophole for offshore operators to target Kiwis. This created a "grey market" where an estimated $700 million to $900 million NZD flowed out of the country annually to unregulated platforms. The 2026 Bill closes this gap by making it unlawful for any provider to offer services without a New Zealand license, regardless of where the company is based. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) will manage a three-stage licensing process: expressions of interest, an auction, and a final suitability vetting. Each license is valid for three years, and a single parent company can hold a maximum of three licenses to prevent market monopolization.
Key Licensing Facts for 2026
The structural changes aim to consolidate the market under a few high-quality, compliant operators rather than a fragmented landscape of unregulated sites.
| Feature | Detail | Impact on Player |
| Total Licenses | 15 available slots | Fewer site options; higher quality. |
| License Duration | 3 years with 5-year renewal | Stability in platform availability. |
| Operator Limit | Max 3 licenses per operator | Ensures variety in branding. |
| Effective Date | 1 December 2026 | Transition period ends for offshore sites. |
Enhanced Player Protection and Harm Minimisation
Player safety is the primary legislative driver for the 2026 Bill, moving beyond the "play at your own risk" era. Licensed apps must now feature built-in game design restrictions to prevent impulsive play, such as a ban on "autoplay" and requirements for session reminders. Additionally, operators are required to offer operator-level exclusion tools, allowing players to block themselves from a platform permanently if they feel their gambling is becoming problematic. While a centralized national self-exclusion register is not part of the initial rollout, the DIA will maintain a public registry of all licensed platforms, allowing players to easily verify the legality of an app.
Mandatory Safety Requirements
The following tools must be integrated into any casino app that holds a valid New Zealand license by the end of 2026.
- Age Verification: Mandatory digital ID checks before any financial transaction.
- Limit Setting: Users must be prompted to set time, spend, and deposit limits upon registration.
- No Autoplay: Games must not feature automated spin functions that lead to continuous play.
- Personalised Alerts: Pop-ups showing session duration and expenditure at regular intervals.
- Help Visibility: Harm minimisation messages and contact details for support must be visible on all ads and within the app.
Age Verification: Mandatory digital ID checks before any financial transaction.
Limit Setting: Users must be prompted to set time, spend, and deposit limits upon registration.
No Autoplay: Games must not feature automated spin functions that lead to continuous play.
Personalised Alerts: Pop-ups showing session duration and expenditure at regular intervals.
Help Visibility: Harm minimisation messages and contact details for support must be visible on all ads and within the app.
Financial Changes: The Credit Card Ban and Taxes
One of the most significant practical changes for players is the total ban on credit card deposits. The government has prioritized debt prevention, mandating that players only use funds they already possess. This means a shift toward debit cards, instant bank transfers, and e-wallets that do not use credit facilities. On the fiscal side, the bill ensures that online gambling contributes to the local economy. Operators must pay a 12% offshore gambling duty (increasing to 16% in 2027), a 15% GST, and a 1.24% problem gambling levy on profits. These funds are ring-fenced to treat gambling harm and support the national mental health strategy.
Summary of New Taxes and Levies
The 2026 framework ensures that global operators contribute a fair share to the New Zealand public purse.
| Tax/Levy Type | Rate | Purpose |
| Offshore Duty | 12% (16% in 2027) | General government revenue. |
| GST | 15% | Standard consumption tax. |
| Problem Gambling Levy | 1.24% | Funds harm prevention & treatment. |
| Community Levy | 4% | Funds grassroots sports & culture. |
Community Funding and the 4% Levy
The 2026 Bill addresses a major concern raised by New Zealanders: the potential erosion of community funding as gambling shifts from land-based "pokies" to digital apps. In response to nearly 4,000 public submissions, the government introduced a 4% levy on gross gaming revenue specifically for community projects. This levy is expected to generate between NZ10millionandNZ20 million in its first year. These funds will be managed by the Lottery Grants Board and distributed to grassroots sports clubs, cultural initiatives, and disability programs that previously relied on funding from physical gambling venues.
Beneficiaries of the New Community Fund
The "ring-fenced" funding model ensures that digital gambling provides a tangible social benefit to New Zealand communities.
- Grassroots Sports: Local rugby, netball, and cricket clubs across the country.
- Cultural Projects: Arts, heritage, and local community theatre initiatives.
- Disability Initiatives: Support for organizations like the Special Olympics.
- Problem Gambling Services: Direct funding for counseling and support groups.
Grassroots Sports: Local rugby, netball, and cricket clubs across the country.
Cultural Projects: Arts, heritage, and local community theatre initiatives.
Disability Initiatives: Support for organizations like the Special Olympics.
Problem Gambling Services: Direct funding for counseling and support groups.
Advertising Restrictions and Marketing Limits
Under the new law, licensed casino platforms are finally allowed to advertise in New Zealand, but they face some of the strictest conditions in the world. To protect young people, no advertisement can target anyone under 25 years of age, and all outdoor advertising (such as billboards) is banned within 300 meters of schools, parks, or sports fields. Furthermore, broadcast ads on TV or radio are strictly prohibited between 6:00 am and 9:30 pm. Operators are also limited to just five 30-second advertisements across all channels per 24-hour period, per platform.
- Age Gating: No ads may target or appeal to children or young people.
- Influencer Ban: Operators cannot pay social media influencers, athletes, or celebrities to promote their brand.
- No Jackpot Ads: The promotion of massive jackpot prizes to entice players is strictly forbidden.
- No Transit Ads: Advertising on buses, trains, or other public transport is prohibited.
- Direct Marketing: Bonuses and inducements can only be sent directly to existing account holders.
Age Gating: No ads may target or appeal to children or young people.
Influencer Ban: Operators cannot pay social media influencers, athletes, or celebrities to promote their brand.
No Jackpot Ads: The promotion of massive jackpot prizes to entice players is strictly forbidden.
No Transit Ads: Advertising on buses, trains, or other public transport is prohibited.
Direct Marketing: Bonuses and inducements can only be sent directly to existing account holders.
Game Variety: What Can Players Access?
The 2026 Bill explicitly defines what types of games a licensed online casino can offer to Kiwi players. Authorized platforms are restricted to chance-based casino games, which include digital slot machines (pokies), table games like blackjack, baccarat, and poker, and computer-simulated virtual sports. Crucially, online casinos are prohibited from offering sports betting or lotteries, as TAB NZ and Lotto NZ retain their legal monopolies over those specific sectors. This separation is intended to maintain clear boundaries between different gambling categories and prevent "all-in-one" gambling apps from dominating the market.
Permitted Games vs. Prohibited Products
Players must use separate platforms depending on the type of wagering they wish to perform.
| Permitted on Casino Apps | Prohibited on Casino Apps |
| Online Pokies (Slots) | Real-World Sports Betting |
| Blackjack & Roulette | Racing (Horse & Greyhound) |
| Online Poker | National Lottery Games |
| Virtual Sports/Racing | Instant Kiwi (Scratchies) |
Enforcement and Penalties for Unlicensed Sites
To ensure the success of the 15-license model, the New Zealand government has introduced massive penalties for "black market" operators. From 1 December 2026, any operator found targeting New Zealanders without a license could face fines of up to $5 million. For individuals involved in these illegal operations, fines can reach $300,000. The DIA is also empowered to issue take-down notices to internet service providers to block access to offshore sites that attempt to bypass the licensing regime. This aggressive stance is meant to protect the 15 legal licensees who have paid for their spots and are meeting high safety standards.
Regulator Enforcement Toolkit
The Department of Internal Affairs holds a range of powers to keep the market compliant and safe.
- Formal Warnings: Issued for minor or first-time compliance breaches.
- Enforceable Undertakings: Legal agreements where operators commit to fixing non-compliance.
- License Suspension: The power to shut down a platform for up to six months.
- Pecuniary Penalties: Fines up to $5M for companies and $300k for individuals.
- Website Blocking: Requesting ISPs to prevent New Zealanders from accessing unlicensed apps.
Formal Warnings: Issued for minor or first-time compliance breaches.
Enforceable Undertakings: Legal agreements where operators commit to fixing non-compliance.
License Suspension: The power to shut down a platform for up to six months.
Pecuniary Penalties: Fines up to $5M for companies and $300k for individuals.
Website Blocking: Requesting ISPs to prevent New Zealanders from accessing unlicensed apps.
Role of the Department of Internal Affairs
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is the central authority responsible for the oversight of the entire 2026 online gambling market. Their role extends beyond just issuing licenses; they are the primary investigators for consumer complaints and the auditors of harm minimisation software. The DIA will maintain a public register of all 15 licensed platforms, allowing players to verify a site's legal status instantly. If a player has a dispute with a licensed operator that cannot be resolved through the platform's own complaints process, they have the right to escalate the matter to the DIA for investigation.
DIA Oversight Responsibilities
The regulator's goal is to ensure a fair, transparent, and controlled environment for all digital gambling activity.
- Licensing Auction: Managing the competitive process to select the 15 operators.
- Due Diligence: Checking the "key persons" behind any platform for criminal history or dishonesty.
- Complaint Investigation: Empowered to obtain information from platforms to resolve player disputes.
- Software Audits: Ensuring that game designs do not encourage impulsive or misleading play.
- Registry Publication: Keeping Kiwis informed about which apps are legal and safe.
Licensing Auction: Managing the competitive process to select the 15 operators.
Due Diligence: Checking the "key persons" behind any platform for criminal history or dishonesty.
Complaint Investigation: Empowered to obtain information from platforms to resolve player disputes.
Software Audits: Ensuring that game designs do not encourage impulsive or misleading play.
Registry Publication: Keeping Kiwis informed about which apps are legal and safe.
Expected Market Reshuffle and Global Bidders
The limitation to just 15 licenses means that many massive international brands currently serving New Zealand will likely be forced to exit the market by late 2026. This has triggered intense competition among industry giants. Major names like Entain, Flutter Entertainment, Bet365, and 888 have already expressed interest in securing a spot. Local incumbents, such as SkyCity Entertainment Group and Christchurch Casino, are also expected to be frontrunners, leveraging their existing local regulatory knowledge and physical presence to secure a digital foothold.
Potential Frontrunners for 2026 Licenses
While the final 15 will not be known until the auction concludes, several entities are already positioned for the transition.
| Entity | Background | Status |
| SkyCity | NZ’s largest land-based casino operator | Strong bidder; local ties. |
| Entain | Global giant; current TAB NZ partner | High interest; significant NZ presence. |
| Flutter | Parent company of brands like Sportsbet & PokerStars | International leader eyeing NZ entry. |
| Bet365 | Massive global independent sportsbook & casino | Interested in the 15-license model. |
| Christchurch Casino | Local South Island casino operator | Likely to bid for a digital slot. |
Transition Timeline: What Happens Next?
The road to a fully regulated market involves several critical legislative and operational milestones throughout 2026. The bill is expected to be enacted in early 2026, with the auction process opening around September 2026. New licenses are scheduled to be issued from 1 December 2026, which marks the official end of the unregulated "grey market". Players using offshore sites that fail to secure a license should begin withdrawing their funds before this date, as access to those platforms may become restricted once the DIA begins its enforcement phase.
Critical 2026 Dates for Players
Kiwi gamblers should keep these dates in their calendars to avoid any disruption to their accounts.
- 1 May 2026: New, stronger advertising prohibitions and penalties take effect.
- July 2026: Expressions of Interest (EOI) for licenses open.
- September 2026: Competitive license auction takes place.
- 1 December 2026: The new licensing regime officially starts; offshore grey market ends.
- 1 January 2027: Offshore gambling duty increases to 16%.
1 May 2026: New, stronger advertising prohibitions and penalties take effect.
July 2026: Expressions of Interest (EOI) for licenses open.
September 2026: Competitive license auction takes place.
1 December 2026: The new licensing regime officially starts; offshore grey market ends.
1 January 2027: Offshore gambling duty increases to 16%.
Final Thoughts
The New Zealand Online Casino Bill 2026 is more than just a regulatory update; it is a fundamental redesign of how Kiwis interact with digital gambling. By capping the market at 15 licenses and mandating strict harm minimisation, the government is successfully balancing the popularity of online play with the necessity of social responsibility. While players may find the transition frustrating—due to fewer platform choices and the loss of credit card convenience—the long-term benefits of fairer games, guaranteed payouts, and community funding provide a much safer environment than the unregulated alternative. As the December 2026 deadline approaches, the priority for all players should be identifying which platforms are licensed and ensuring their gambling remains within safe, manageable boundaries.
Ture me te Ture FAQ
He aha te Online Casino Bill 2026?
He ture hou tēnei hei whakariterite i te mākete petipeti ipurangi i Aotearoa, mā te tuku i tētahi punaha raihana mō ngā kaiwhakahaere 15 anake.
E hia ngā raihana ka wātea?
Tekau mā rima (15) noa iho ngā raihana ka wātea mō te motu katoa, ka tukuna mā te hokohoko (auction).
Ka taea tonu te whakamahi i taku kaari nama (credit card)?
Kāore. I raro i te ture hou, ka rāhuitia te whakamahi i ngā kaari nama hei aukati i te nama mō te petipeti.
Āhea tīmata ai ngā ture hou?
Ko te tumanako ka tīmata te punaha raihana tūturu hei te 1 o Hakihea 2026.
He aha ngā kaimahi mō te aukati i te kino (harm minimisation)?
Me whakatakoto e ngā apps he pūnaha hei tautuhi i te tau o te tangata, me te tuku i ngā kaimahi kia whakatakoto i ngā tepe mō te wā me te moni.
Ka pā tēnei ki te TAB me te Lotto?
Kāore. Ka mau tonu te TAB me te Lotto NZ i ā rātou mana motuhake mō ngā petipeti hakinakina me ngā rota.
E hia te pakeke iti rawa mō te petipeti ipurangi?
Me 18 tau te pakeke o te tangata kia āhei ai ki te takaro i runga i ngā platforms kua raihanatia.
He aha te whiunga mō ngā kaiwhakahaere kāore he raihana?
Ka taea te whaina i te kamupene tae atu ki te $5 miriona mehemea ka tuku ratonga ratou ki ngā tangata o Aotearoa kāore he raihana.
Kei hea te haere o ngā moni taake?
Ka haere ngā moni ki te kawanatanga mō ngā ratonga hapori, ā, ko te 4% ka whakahokia ki ngā karapu hākinakina me ngā rōpū hapori.
Me pēhea taku mōhio mehemea he ture te app?
Ka taea te tirotiro i te rārangi (registry) a te Tari Taiwhenua (DIA) hei whakapūmau i te raihana o tētahi app.
