Online casinos that have not applied for a licence must stop offering gambling to people in New Zealand from 1 December 2026, under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026.
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) says operators that have applied can keep running under an exemption while their application is assessed, but they cannot advertise. DIA expects to start issuing licences from early 2027.
What happened at the auction
DIA ran an auction from 29 September to 12 October 2026. It says 32 bidders took part, the auction ran for 10 rounds and the final price reached NZ$15 million per licence. Eleven entities won the right to apply for a licence.
Winning the auction does not guarantee a licence. DIA says each successful bidder must pay the auction price and submit a full application, including a business plan and strategies on advertising, consumer protection, harm prevention and compliance.
Up to 15 licences can be granted. Each covers a single brand and lasts up to three years, with one renewal of up to five more years. No one can hold more than three.
What it means for players
For people who gamble online, DIA says there is "no change for now". Casinos that served New Zealanders before 1 May 2026 can keep operating until 1 December.
After that date, only operators with a licence application under consideration can legally take New Zealand customers. DIA says all other online casinos will be legally required to leave the New Zealand market.
Once licences are issued, DIA plans to publish a public register of licensed online casinos. Licensed sites will have to display a registration icon on their platforms and in their advertising, so players can check who is licensed.
DIA's player guidance doesn't yet say what happens to money left in accounts with operators that must leave.
Advertising ban
Online casino advertising aimed at New Zealanders is already banned. DIA says this applies until the licensed regime is in place, and applicants that keep operating after 1 December must still not advertise.
People can report unlawful advertising to DIA at onlinegambling@dia.govt.nz.
Penalties
DIA's guidance for providers says anyone running online casino gambling without a licence or exemption after 1 December may face takedown orders and pecuniary penalties of up to NZ$5 million.
Licensed operators will be subject to New Zealand law even if they are based offshore. Once licensed, a platform must be available in New Zealand within 90 days and for at least 270 days in any 12-month period.
What is not covered
The law covers games such as online slot machines, poker, blackjack and computer-simulated sports and racing. DIA's guidance says sports betting and protected lotteries are excluded. A Cabinet paper proactively released by DIA says Lotto NZ and the TAB remain outside the regime and do not need a licence for their existing online gambling. Lotto NZ keeps its exclusive right to run Lotto, Powerball and Strike.
Where to get help
If gambling is causing problems for you or your family, the Gambling Helpline is on 0800 654 655, or text 8006. It is free and available any time, and also runs a Gambling Debt Helpline on 0800 654 658.
Sources
- Department of Internal Affairs, "Online Gambling for players": https://www.dia.govt.nz/Online-Gambling-for-players
- Department of Internal Affairs, "Online Gambling for Providers": https://www.dia.govt.nz/Online-Gambling-for-Providers
- Department of Internal Affairs, EOI guidance documentation (PDF): https://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/Files/Online-gambling-implementation/$file/EOI-guidance-documentation-and-information.pdf
- Department of Internal Affairs, Gambling: https://www.dia.govt.nz/gambling/
- Department of Internal Affairs, Cabinet paper "Online Casino Gambling Bill" (proactive release, PDF): https://www.dia.govt.nz/diawebsite.nsf/Files/Proactive-Releases-2024-25/$file/LEG-Cabinet-paper-and-associated-minutes-Online-Casino-Gambling-Bill.pdf
- Gambling Helpline, Contact: https://gamblinghelpline.co.nz/contact
