New Zealand opens online casino licence applications
New Zealand has formally opened the first stage of its online casino licensing process, marking the country’s transition towards a regulated online gambling market under the newly enacted Online Casino Gambling Act 2026.
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) announced that Expressions of Interest (EOIs) are now open, inviting operators to participate in a competitive three-stage licensing process that will ultimately award up to 15 online casino licences. However, the department emphasised that implementation will be gradual, adding that “the full licensed online casino gambling regime is not expected to be fully operational until 2027.”
15 licences available through three-stage process
Under the framework, up to 15 online casino licences will be available, with each licence covering a single brand and valid for up to three years, with the option of a further five-year renewal. No operator will be permitted to hold more than three licences.
The licensing programme comprises three stages: an Expression of Interest, an auction, and a final licence application.
EOIs opened on 17 July and will close on 14 August. Only applicants whose EOIs are accepted will be eligible to participate in the September auction, where the right to apply for a licence will be determined.
Successful bidders will then be able to submit full licence applications from October.
The department stated that “Cabinet has decided that the first competitive process will be an auction,” with the Secretary for Internal Affairs responsible for setting the auction rules and overseeing the process.
The auction will use an ascending clock format, which the department said was selected because it promotes transparency and fairness by allowing all participants to face the same price at each stage until demand matches the number of licences available.
Strict operating rules during transition
The government has also outlined restrictions for operators during the transition period. “At this stage, online casino gambling advertising is prohibited in New Zealand. Online casinos must not advertise online casino gambling services to New Zealand customers,” the DIA said.
The department also confirmed that until the licensing regime is fully established, “no new online casino gambling providers may enter the New Zealand market, and only providers already operating in New Zealand may continue to do so.”
Existing operators have also been warned that their compliance history may influence licensing decisions.
Market data published for prospective operators
To assist prospective applicants, the department has released two market insight reports analysing New Zealand’s online gambling sector between October 2023 and September 2025. The reports examine online casino gambling, sports and race betting, and overseas lotteries using consumer card transaction data.
The DIA noted that access to market intelligence had been “one of the most requested resources by those interested in gaining a licence to conduct online casino gambling in New Zealand.”
The department cautioned that the reports estimate market size using transaction data from a single bank, measure deposits rather than wagering activity, and exclude domestic statutory operators Lotto NZ and TAB.
Analysis highlighted player behaviour
SiGMA News recently published a report that found that New Zealand’s online gambling audience is largely made up of working-age adults who prioritise convenience, accessibility and entertainment. Lottery products remain the country’s most popular gambling activity, while online casino and sports betting consumers reported gambling primarily from home or other convenient locations.
The Blask data also indicated that around 94 per cent of respondents identified themselves as non-problem gamblers, supporting the government’s emphasis on responsible gambling measures within the new regulatory framework.
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