The landscape of digital gambling in New Zealand is currently undergoing its most significant shift since the early 2000s, moving from an unregulated "grey market" to a structured, domestic licensing regime. As of early 2026, the New Zealand Government is finalizing the Online Casino Gambling Act, a legislative framework designed to bring offshore operators under local oversight. This transition is anchored by a strict cap of 15 available licenses, which will be distributed through a competitive auction process starting in late 2026. For players and operators alike, this means a total overhaul of safety protocols, tax obligations, and advertising standards, with the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) serving as the primary regulator. By December 2026, only those who have secured a license or applied for one will be legally permitted to offer online casino services to persons located in New Zealand.
- Regulator: The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) oversees all licensing and enforcement.
- License Cap: A maximum of 15 total licenses will be issued for the entire country.
- Operator Limits: A single provider can hold no more than three individual licenses.
- License Term: Each license is valid for three years, with a potential extension of up to five years.
- Permitted Games: Licenses cover traditional casino games like slots (pokies) and table games, but exclude sports betting and lotteries.
- Minimum Age: All licensed platforms must enforce a strict minimum age of 18 for players.
Regulator: The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) oversees all licensing and enforcement.
License Cap: A maximum of 15 total licenses will be issued for the entire country.
Operator Limits: A single provider can hold no more than three individual licenses.
License Term: Each license is valid for three years, with a potential extension of up to five years.
Permitted Games: Licenses cover traditional casino games like slots (pokies) and table games, but exclude sports betting and lotteries.
Minimum Age: All licensed platforms must enforce a strict minimum age of 18 for players.
The Shift From Grey Market to Regulation
For years, New Zealanders have accessed thousands of offshore gambling websites that operated without local consumer protection or tax requirements. This "grey market" era is set to end on 1 December 2026, as the government seeks to channel players toward a smaller pool of 15 highly regulated platforms. The move is not intended to increase the total volume of gambling but to ensure that the activity occurring online is safe, fair, and transparent. Under the new regime, any operator targeting New Zealand residents without a license will face severe penalties, including fines of up to $5 million for companies. This extra-territorial reach ensures that even brands based overseas must comply if they wish to serve the Kiwi market.
| Feature | Pre-2026 “Grey Market” | Post-2026 Licensed Market |
| Number of Operators | Thousands of offshore sites | Strictly capped at 15 |
| Consumer Protection | Largely absent/offshore only | Mandatory DIA-approved standards |
| NZ Taxation | Limited (mostly GST only) | 12% duty (rising to 16%) + GST + Levies |
| Ad Oversight | Unregulated and often banned | Regulated but permitted for licensees |
The Three-Stage Licensing Process
The allocation of the 15 available slots is not a simple "first-come, first-served" application. Instead, the government has devised a rigorous three-stage process to ensure only the most suitable and financially stable operators enter the market. This begins with an expression of interest (EOI) in July 2026, followed by a competitive auction in September, and a final vetting of the winners. The EOI phase requires an initial fee of up to $19,000, which filters out smaller, less serious entities. Following the auction, successful bidders must undergo a full suitability assessment by the Regulator to ensure their directors and management meet high integrity standards.
- Stage 1: Expressions of Interest: Operators submit initial paperwork and pay a non-refundable fee.
- Stage 2: Competitive Auction: Eligible bidders compete for the 15 available license slots.
- Stage 3: Full Vetting: Winners submit detailed business plans and undergo integrity checks.
- Platform Branding: Each license corresponds to a single platform, brand, or website.
- Launch Date: New licenses are officially issued starting from 1 December 2026.
Stage 1: Expressions of Interest: Operators submit initial paperwork and pay a non-refundable fee.
Stage 2: Competitive Auction: Eligible bidders compete for the 15 available license slots.
Stage 3: Full Vetting: Winners submit detailed business plans and undergo integrity checks.
Platform Branding: Each license corresponds to a single platform, brand, or website.
Launch Date: New licenses are officially issued starting from 1 December 2026.
Understanding Platform Limitations
Under the new rules, a single provider cannot monopolize the market. This creates room for a mix of local incumbents like SkyCity and international giants like Flutter or Bet365.
| Rule Type | Limitation Details |
| License Cap | Total of 15 licenses available in NZ. |
| Ownership Cap | Max 3 licenses per parent company. |
| Product Scope | Only “casino-style” games; no sports/lotto. |
| Validity | 3 years initial, renewable for 5 more. |
Harm Minimisation and Player Safety
A cornerstone of the 2026 licensing regime is the mandatory implementation of harm minimisation tools. Licensed operators must provide players with the ability to set their own limits on deposits, losses, and time spent on the app. Furthermore, the software must include functionality for players to self-exclude or be identified by the system if they exhibit patterns of problem gambling. The DIA maintains a central registry of all licensed operators, making it easy for Kiwis to verify if an app is legal and follows these strict safety guidelines. Any operator found neglecting these duties risks losing their license and paying substantial fines.
- Mandatory Tools: Users must be able to set time and spending limits within the app interface.
- Digital ID: Strict age verification is required to ensure no one under 18 can play.
- Self-Exclusion: Operators must honor requests for permanent or temporary account blocks.
- Game Speed: Features like "autoplay" that increase the speed of play are restricted to reduce harm.
- Transparency: Apps must display a mandatory registration icon to prove they are licensed.
Mandatory Tools: Users must be able to set time and spending limits within the app interface.
Digital ID: Strict age verification is required to ensure no one under 18 can play.
Self-Exclusion: Operators must honor requests for permanent or temporary account blocks.
Game Speed: Features like "autoplay" that increase the speed of play are restricted to reduce harm.
Transparency: Apps must display a mandatory registration icon to prove they are licensed.
New Taxation and Duty Requirements
The 2026 framework is not just about safety; it is also a significant revenue driver for the New Zealand public purse. Since July 2024, offshore operators have been required to pay a 12% offshore gambling duty, but this will increase to 16% on 1 January 2027. In addition to this duty, licensed platforms must pay a 15% Goods and Services Tax (GST) and a 1.24% problem gambling levy. These funds are used to support harm prevention programs and treatment services for those affected by gambling addiction. The government estimates that the auction process alone could generate hundreds of millions in one-off revenue.
Estimated Tax and Fee Breakdown
Operating a legal casino app in NZ involves several layers of financial contribution to the state.
| Tax/Fee Category | Rate or Amount | Effective Date |
| Offshore Gambling Duty | 12% (rising to 16%) | Current (16% in 2027) |
| GST | 15% | Ongoing |
| Problem Gambling Levy | 1.24% | 1 Dec 2026 |
| General Licensing Levy | Up to 5% of GGR | 1 Dec 2026 |
| EOI Fee | Up to $19,000 | July 2026 |
Advertising Standards for Licensed Apps
From 1 May 2026, the DIA will have significantly stronger powers to regulate how gambling is marketed. While licensed operators will be allowed to advertise (a shift from the current total ban on offshore promotion), the rules are incredibly restrictive. Advertisements cannot target anyone under 25, and the use of social media influencers or celebrities to promote a gambling brand is strictly prohibited. Furthermore, traditional sponsorship of sports events by online casinos will remain illegal to keep gambling out of view from children. This "restricted permission" model aims to allow legal sites to compete with the black market while protecting the public.
- Age Gating: Ads must not target or be appealing to persons under the age of 25.
- Influencer Ban: Companies cannot pay influencers, athletes, or celebrities for promotion.
- Volume Limits: A licensed brand can run only five 30-second ads across all channels in a 24-hour period.
- Time Restrictions: No gambling advertisements may be shown between 6:00 am and 9:30 pm.
- Location Ban: No outdoor advertising within 300 meters of schools or skate parks.
Age Gating: Ads must not target or be appealing to persons under the age of 25.
Influencer Ban: Companies cannot pay influencers, athletes, or celebrities for promotion.
Volume Limits: A licensed brand can run only five 30-second ads across all channels in a 24-hour period.
Time Restrictions: No gambling advertisements may be shown between 6:00 am and 9:30 pm.
Location Ban: No outdoor advertising within 300 meters of schools or skate parks.
Community Funding and the Ring-Fencing Model
A unique feature of the Online Casino Gambling Bill is the guarantee of community funding. Unlike land-based "Class 4" pokies, which have long supported local sports and charities, online casinos were previously exempt from this social contract. The new law introduces a "ring-fencing" approach where the 4% increase in offshore gambling duty (from 12% to 16%) is specifically allocated to community projects. This is expected to generate between $10 million and $20 million in its first year, providing a new revenue stream for grassroots sports and cultural groups. This model ensures that the legalization of online casinos provides a tangible benefit back to New Zealand society.
Community Revenue Projections
The government aims to mitigate the potential loss of revenue to local "pokie" venues by capturing online profits for the community.
- Total Expected Fund: $10M – $20M in the first year.
- Funding Source: 4% of Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR).
- Beneficiaries: Sports clubs, cultural groups, and charities.
- Management: The Lottery Grants Board is being considered to manage the distribution.
- Review Period: A formal review will occur after two years to assess the impact on community returns.
Total Expected Fund: $10M – $20M in the first year.
Funding Source: 4% of Gross Gambling Revenue (GGR).
Beneficiaries: Sports clubs, cultural groups, and charities.
Management: The Lottery Grants Board is being considered to manage the distribution.
Review Period: A formal review will occur after two years to assess the impact on community returns.
Enforcement and Penalties for Non-Compliance
The Department of Internal Affairs is no longer taking a passive stance on unregulated gambling. From 1 May 2026, the regulator will have the authority to issue take-down notices for unlawful advertising and impose massive fines for unlicensed operations. The maximum penalty for a company breaching these rules will jump from $10,000 to $5 million, while individuals could face fines of $300,000. The DIA also conducts raids on illegal physical gambling venues to signal that all forms of unlicensed wagering are a target for enforcement. These measures are intended to clean up the market so that only those with a legitimate license can survive.
- Company Fines: Up to $5 million for serious breaches or unlicensed operations.
- Individual Fines: Up to $300,000 for persons promoting illegal gambling.
- Take-Down Notices: Power to remove illegal websites and social media ads.
- Software Checks: Ongoing audits to ensure games are fair and return-to-player rates are accurate.
- Registry Monitoring: Regular vetting of directors and management to prevent criminal influence.
Company Fines: Up to $5 million for serious breaches or unlicensed operations.
Individual Fines: Up to $300,000 for persons promoting illegal gambling.
Take-Down Notices: Power to remove illegal websites and social media ads.
Software Checks: Ongoing audits to ensure games are fair and return-to-player rates are accurate.
Registry Monitoring: Regular vetting of directors and management to prevent criminal influence.
Separating Casino Games from TAB and Lotto
One of the most frequent points of confusion is whether these new 15 licenses will allow operators to offer sports betting or lottery tickets. The answer is a definitive "no". Under the new legislation, TAB New Zealand remains the sole legal provider of online racing and sports betting, while Lotto NZ retains its monopoly on national lotteries. The new licenses are strictly for "casino-style" games, such as virtual slots and table games. This separation is designed to prevent a single app from becoming a "one-stop shop" for all types of gambling, which regulators believe would increase the risk of habit-forming behavior.
Comparison of Authorized Products by Provider
Kiwi players must use different apps or websites depending on the type of wagering they wish to perform.
| Product Type | 15 Licensed Casino Apps | TAB New Zealand | Lotto NZ |
| Online Pokies (Slots) | Allowed | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Blackjack / Roulette | Allowed | Prohibited | Prohibited |
| Sports Betting | Prohibited | Allowed | Prohibited |
| National Lottery | Prohibited | Prohibited | Allowed |
| Virtual Sports | Allowed | Prohibited | Prohibited |
The Role of Global vs. Local Operators
While New Zealand's land-based giant SkyCity is a frontrunner for a license, the new framework is drawing significant interest from global heavyweights. Companies such as Flutter (the parent of Sportsbet/Betfair), Entain, and Bet365 have already expressed interest or are currently paying taxes to the NZ government. Because the number of licenses is so low (only 15), competition is expected to be fierce, which should theoretically lead to better app quality and more robust safety features as brands fight for market share. The government believes that having a small number of high-quality operators is easier and more cost-effective to regulate than an open-market system.
- Local Entry: SkyCity and TAB NZ are expected to be primary bidders.
- International Interest: Global brands like 888 and Bet365 are tracking the bill.
- Competitive Pressure: The 15-license limit ensures only the most compliant firms succeed.
- Market Share: Currently, the top 15 offshore operators already account for 90% of the market revenue.
- Renewal Stakes: Failure to maintain safety standards every three years will result in a loss of the license.
Local Entry: SkyCity and TAB NZ are expected to be primary bidders.
International Interest: Global brands like 888 and Bet365 are tracking the bill.
Competitive Pressure: The 15-license limit ensures only the most compliant firms succeed.
Market Share: Currently, the top 15 offshore operators already account for 90% of the market revenue.
Renewal Stakes: Failure to maintain safety standards every three years will result in a loss of the license.
Final Thoughts
The 2026 regulation of casino-apps.nz represents a mature, safety-first approach to the digital economy. By capping licenses at 15 and moving to an auction-based model, New Zealand is prioritizing quality and compliance over market volume. For players, the move provides peace of mind that their chosen platform is legally vetted, safe, and contributing to the local community through ring-fenced taxes. For the industry, it provides a clear, albeit expensive, path to operating legally within one of the world's most stable regulatory environments. As the December 2026 deadline approaches, both operators and Kiwis must prepare for a more structured, taxed, and transparent online casino experience.
Whakamaramatanga FAQ
He aha te Online Casino Gambling Act?
He ture hou tenei e whakatakoto ana i te raihana mo nga casino ipurangi i Aotearoa hei tiaki i nga kaiwhakamahi me te kohi taake.
E hia nga raihana ka waatea?
Tekau ma rima (15) noa iho nga raihana ka waatea mo te motu katoa.
Ka taea tonu te takaro ki nga pae o waho kaore he raihana?
Kaore, mai i te 1 o Hakihea 2026, he kore ture te tuku ratonga petipeti ki te hunga i Aotearoa mehemea kaore he raihana.
He aha te pakeke iti rawa?
Me 18 tau te pakeke kia taea ai te takaro ki enei casino ipurangi kua raihanatia.
Ka taea e au te whakamahi i taku kaari nama (credit card)?
Kaore, ka rāhuitia te whakamahi i nga kaari nama mo te petipeti ipurangi hei aukati i te nama.
Kei hea te haere o nga moni taake?
Ka haere nga moni ki te kawanatanga mo nga ratonga hapori, ā, ko te 4% ka ring-fenced mo nga karapu hakinakina me nga rōpū hapori.
Ka taea e au te mahi petipeti hakinakina (sports betting) i runga i enei apps?
Kaore, ko te TAB anake te waahi ture mo te petipeti hakinakina i Aotearoa.
Me pehea taku mohio mehemea he ture te app?
Ka whakaatu nga apps ture i tetahi ata (icon) raihana, ā, ka taea hoki te tirotiro i te rārangi i te pae tukutuku a te Tari Taiwhenua.
He aha nga whiunga mo te takahi i nga ture panui?
Ka taea e nga kamupene te utu i te whaina tae atu ki te $5 miriona.
Ka roa pehea te mana o te raihana?
E toru tau te roa o te raihana tuatahi, engari ka taea te whakaroa atu mo te rima tau.
