If you’ve found an old listing for Royal Panda and wondered whether you can sign up from New Zealand, here’s the short answer: not really. Royal Panda has withdrawn from most international markets and does not currently operate as a New Zealand–facing casino. This page explains what it was, who owns it, where it still runs, and what New Zealand’s 2026 rules mean.
It is written to inform, not to promote. Nothing here recommends signing up or depositing anywhere.
What Royal Panda Was
Royal Panda launched in 2014, built by Royal Panda Ltd, and became well known for its panda branding and a combined casino-and-sportsbook platform. In 2017 it was acquired by LeoVegas, one of Europe’s larger online gambling groups — and LeoVegas was itself bought by the US casino giant MGM Resorts in 2022. So the brand today sits inside a very large, well-known corporate group.
Why It No Longer Serves New Zealand
The key point for Kiwi readers is that Royal Panda progressively pulled out of markets:
- It left the UK on 31 January 2020, when LeoVegas allowed its UK Gambling Commission licence to lapse — a strategic decision rather than a regulatory penalty.
- It exited Japan and India in September 2022, ahead of the MGM acquisition, as the group refocused on locally regulated markets.
- Its sportsbook was discontinued (players were pointed to LeoVegas Sport), so where the brand still runs, it’s casino-only.
Today Royal Panda operates primarily in Canada — a registered Ontario site (under the province’s AGCO regulator) and a rest-of-Canada product under a Malta Gaming Authority licence on the LeoVegas platform. There is no current, NZ-facing Royal Panda casino. Any old page describing it as “a top NZ online casino” that accepts NZD is out of date.
A note on reputation: even in the markets where it runs, public player feedback is mixed, including complaints tied to account migration and withdrawals during its Ontario re-registration. That’s another reason not to rely on stale sign-up prompts.
The New Zealand Rules Changed in 2026
Separately from Royal Panda’s own retreat, New Zealand’s regulation of online casinos changed fundamentally in 2026.
The Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 came into force on 1 May 2026 and created, for the first time, a licensing system for online casino gambling in New Zealand, run by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). Only a limited number of operators — capped at 15 — can hold a licence.
From 1 December 2026, only DIA-licensed operators may lawfully serve New Zealanders. So even setting aside the fact that Royal Panda has withdrawn, an offshore brand that isn’t on the New Zealand register wouldn’t be a lawful NZ option after that date. The reliable way to check any operator is through the Department of Internal Affairs. See our overviews of online casino licensing in New Zealand and the regulation and legal framework.
What This Means If You’re in New Zealand
If you were looking for Royal Panda specifically, it isn’t currently an option here. More usefully: from December 2026, the safe question isn’t “is this brand famous?” but “is it on New Zealand’s licensed list?” That’s the check that protects your money and gives you local recourse if something goes wrong. Our guide to trust, safety and compliance explains what to look for, and our casino bonuses overview covers how to read an offer’s real terms rather than its headline.
Staying in Control: Responsible Gambling in Aotearoa
Whatever site you consider, gambling should only ever be treated as paid entertainment — never as a way to make money or clear a debt. The odds are structured so the operator profits over time.
New Zealand–licensed operators must offer control tools such as deposit limits and self-exclusion. Our guide to self-exclusion tools explains how they work. Note too that, from 2026, a licensed NZ operator may not accept credit-card deposits — see the credit-card ban.
Free, confidential help is available in New Zealand at any time — you do not need to be in crisis to use it.
Factual information disclaimer
This article is provided for general information only. It describes the market history and current status of the Royal Panda brand and New Zealand’s online casino rules; it does not encourage gambling, does not recommend signing up to or depositing with any operator, and is not legal, financial or professional advice.
Gambling involves financial risk and can be harmful. Nothing here should be read as a suggestion that you gamble. Laws, licensing and operator availability change — always confirm the current position with an official source before making any decision.
If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, free and confidential support is available: the Gambling Helpline Aotearoa on 0800 654 655 or at gamblinghelpline.co.nz, and the New Zealand regulator, the Department of Internal Affairs, at dia.govt.nz.
Can I sign up to Royal Panda from New Zealand?
Not currently. Royal Panda has withdrawn from most international markets and operates primarily in Canada. It is not a New Zealand–facing casino, despite older listings suggesting otherwise.
Who owns Royal Panda now?
Royal Panda was acquired by LeoVegas in 2017, and LeoVegas was in turn bought by MGM Resorts in 2022. The brand still runs in Canada under the LeoVegas group.
Is Royal Panda licensed in New Zealand?
No. It holds no New Zealand licence. Under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, only Department of Internal Affairs–licensed operators may lawfully serve New Zealanders from 1 December 2026.
Does Royal Panda still have a sportsbook?
No. Royal Panda’s sportsbook was discontinued in 2023, and the brand is casino-only where it still operates.
Where can I get help if gambling becomes a problem?
Free, confidential support is available in New Zealand through the Gambling Helpline Aotearoa on 0800 654 655. Support is available at any time, and you do not need to be in crisis to reach out.