New Zealand Prepares for Regulated Online Casino Market Launch

New Zealand has begun laying the groundwork for its upcoming regulated online casino market, inviting operators to express their interest and help shape the system set to go live by 2026. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has officially opened the registration process, signaling a major shift from unregulated offshore play to a fully licensed and monitored iGaming environment.

Trina Lowry, Programme Director of the Online Gambling Implementation Programme at the DIA, emphasized the importance of early engagement. “For online casino operators interested in entering the New Zealand market, the most important thing you can do is register your interest at www.dia.govt.nz/OGI,” she said. The government hopes this initial phase will facilitate the development of a framework that is “clear, efficient and supportive for potential operators.”

A Competitive Licensing Model with Consumer Protection at Its Core

The upcoming licensing scheme will be based on a competitive application process, with operators expected to meet stringent criteria. These include compliance with regulatory obligations as well as implementation of tools designed to reduce gambling-related harm—something notably absent in the offshore market, which many New Zealanders currently use.

“Online casino gambling is not new in New Zealand. Everyday New Zealanders gamble on a variety of offshore gambling websites,” Lowry noted. The objective of regulation is not to introduce something new to the market, but rather to control and monitor what is already widespread. She added that the new system aims to “help protect consumers, minimise gambling harm and provide regulatory oversight of online casino gambling providers operating in New Zealand.”

Some international operators, including those featuring 1 dollar deposit casino, have already indicated they plan to apply once the regime is in place. Their early interest aligns with the DIA’s strategy to engage with industry stakeholders to better understand operational needs and challenges.

New Framework May Lift Ban on Online Casino Advertising

Currently, New Zealand law strictly forbids any advertising or promotion of online gambling services under the Gambling Act 2003. However, the proposed legislation tied to the new regulatory framework would allow licensed operators to market their services within the country. Supporters argue that such a move would help consumers clearly distinguish between legitimate and unregulated sites, offering better protection for players.

“Regulating this sector will help protect consumers,” Lowry reiterated. “Such measures are not required with offshore operators and consumers who continue to use these websites could be putting themselves at risk of harm.”

The government also recently committed NZ$81 million toward enhancing its national gambling harm minimization strategy, an initiative announced by Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey. This funding—sourced from the Problem Gambling Levy applied to TAB, Lotto NZ, casinos, and non-casino gaming machines—is expected to be extended to include contributions from licensed online operators under the new law.

As development of the regulatory framework continues, officials stress that the consultation phase is critical. By encouraging early interaction with prospective licensees, the DIA hopes to design a system that both aligns with international best practices and addresses the specific needs of New Zealand players and communities.