A date has seemingly been set as the long road to online casino regulation nears its conclusion in New Zealand.
The Online Casino Gambling Bill has reached its final stages after passing its third and final reading in Parliament.
As the ink dries on the bill, it is set to be implemented into law on 1 May, according to Trina Lowry, Programme Director – Online Gambling Implementation at the Department of Internal Affairs, in an email update, once it receives Royal Assent after being signed by the Governor-General.
As part of the three-stage licensing process, up to 15 online casino gambling licences will be up for auction in New Zealand, with the market scheduled to launch later this year on 1 December.
The following year, on 1 June 2027, only operators that hold a licence will be allowed to operate in the New Zealand online casino market.
Brooke van Velden, Internal Affairs Minister, noted: “The Department of Internal Affairs will regulate the sector using strengthened enforcement tools, including take-down notices, formal warnings, enforceable undertakings and penalties of up to $5m for serious or persistent breaches.
“These tools will ensure that New Zealand law applies to all online casino gambling available in New Zealand, regardless of where operators are located, closing off avenues for avoidance and strengthening the regulator’s ability to monitor and enforce compliance by international operators.
“Submissions on this bill made it clear that New Zealanders also want the benefits from the online casino gambling to flow back to local sports clubs, community groups and grassroots organisations. This Bill delivers on that expectation.”
Next steps
Lowry stated that online casino licences are expected to be issued from early 2027 onwards, but there are currently no changes for online casino customers in New Zealand. Online casinos active in New Zealand before 1 May 2026 are allowed to continue to operate until 1 December 2026, but are prohibited from advertising to people in New Zealand.
Further process guidance for online casinos wishing to pursue a licence will be published on 1 May. The bill will prohibit any new providers from entering the New Zealand iGaming market without a licence.
Online casino advertising will continue to be prohibited from advertising, but the new bill increases the penalties for breaches of up to NZD$5m. Once an online casino has received a licence, it will be able to advertise with restrictions.
Supporting regulations covering advertising, harm minimisation and prevention, consumer protection and cost recovery fees and levies are expected to be established later this year.
Two operators have already expressed their interest in entering the regulated online casino market – Entain Australia & New Zealand and SkyCity Entertainment Group.
Stella David, Chief Executive Officer of Entain, stated during the group’s 2025 full-year earnings presentation that the company would be seeking three licences in the New Zealand online casino market.
However, the regulated market news comes as a handful of operators face coordinated legal action in New Zealand, as claims have been filed in the High Court in Auckland against bet365, SkyCity Entertainment and Super Group on retrospective gambling activities.
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