New Zealand Opens Online Casino Licensing Process for First Time

New Zealand online casinos are entering a new regulatory era as the Department of Internal Affairs has officially opened the licensing process for operators seeking to enter the newly regulated market. The country is offering 15 online casino licenses through a structured three-stage application procedure. Operators interested in securing one of these limited licenses must register their interest by 14 August, marking the initial phase of the licensing journey. Only those with accepted expressions of interest will advance to the second stage auction process. Successful bidders will then proceed to the final application stage, with licenses expected to be issued in early 2027. This development follows the implementation of New Zealand online casinos regulations, which came into force on 3 July.

New Zealand Launches Three-Stage Licensing Process for Online Casinos

The Department of Internal Affairs has structured the licensing pathway into three distinct stages, commencing with an expression of interest phase in July 2026. Applicants must submit an EOI fee of £15,089.04 to enter the preliminary screening process. This initial stage assesses ownership structure, financial capability, and the criminal and regulatory history of both the applicant and its key officers.

Following the EOI closure, anticipated around September 2026, successful applicants will participate in an auction where licenses are awarded solely based on the highest bid price. The auction phase allows eligible operators to compete for the limited permits, with no requirement that all 15 licenses be awarded. Successful bidders will subsequently receive invitations to submit formal license applications around October 2026.

The formal application stage demands comprehensive documentation, including a detailed business plan and strategies relating to advertising, marketing, consumer protection, harm minimisation and regulatory compliance. Applicants must demonstrate adherence to New Zealand’s financial, operational and integrity standards. The DIA has set 1 December 2026 as the strict application deadline, after which providers must cease conducting New Zealand online casinos operations if they have not applied for a license.

Once granted, operators face tight operational deadlines. They must make their gambling platform available within 90 days and ensure it operates for at least 270 days in any 12-month period.

TAB NZ Gains Eligibility to Apply for Online Casino Licenses

TAB NZ, the statutory body responsible for racing and sports betting operations, has emerged among several operators expressing interest in New Zealand online casinos licenses. Established in 2020 under the Racing Industry Act 2020, TAB NZ operates with clear mandates to facilitate and promote betting while maximizing profits for New Zealand racing and returns to domestic sports.

Following amendments to the Racing Act in 2025, TAB NZ holds monopoly status as the sole legal provider of racing and sports betting services to customers in New Zealand. This exclusivity, which took effect on 28 June 2025, extends to online gambling operations through a legislative framework preventing unlicensed offshore operators from accepting wagers.

In addition to TAB NZ, cabinet papers filed on 9 September revealed interest from established operators including SkyCity, Grand Casino Dunedin, Christchurch Casino and Class 4 societies. International operators such as 888, Bet365, SpinBet, Spin City and Super Group, which operates Betway, also registered their intentions to compete for licenses.

TAB NZ’s participation in the casino licensing process comes alongside significant financial commitments to the racing sector. Entain, TAB’s partner, pledged NZGBP 79.42 million to support racing operations following the regulatory amendments.

Regulatory Framework Takes Effect for New Zealand Online Casinos

The Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 took effect on 1 May 2026, establishing a comprehensive regulatory system prioritizing harm minimization, consumer protection, and tax collection. The legislation applies extraterritorially, meaning New Zealand gambling laws now govern all New Zealand online casinos services accessible within the country regardless of operator location.

The Act created distinct pathways for operators. New offshore entrants face immediate prohibition from offering services to New Zealand customers from 1 May 2026. Existing providers operating before this date may continue under transitional arrangements until 1 December 2026. Thereafter, only operators holding licenses or with pending applications remain permitted to serve the market. A final compliance backstop arrives on 1 July 2027, when operators with pending applications must either secure licenses or cease operations.

The Department of Internal Affairs gained strengthened enforcement capabilities including take-down notices, formal warnings, and enforceable undertakings. Companies breaching regulations face penalties reaching £3.97 million for serious or repeated violations. Individuals may incur fines up to £238,248.03.