Licensed casinos must display a unique registration icon on their platforms and in their advertising, and the DIA will publish a public register of licensed online casinos. The auction attracted 32 bidders and concluded after 10 rounds, with the final auction price reaching $15 million (NZD) per licence. The auction determined who has won the right to apply for an online casino gambling licence.
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To get an edge when playing , you must learn about the blackjack hands and how they work. The CasinoList editorial team has covered some of the most common hands you will find when you play blackjack online. With every casino review we put out, we make sure to engage with support staff and test how well they can resolve different problems, by simulating real-life issues and asking questions about our accounts. We also consider the number of support channels a player can use, as well as the hours of operation.
Legislation and Compliance:
From Lucky Bonus to Dragon 7, explore the top bets and expert tips for a thrilling gaming experience. Our engagement approach is built on transparency and fairness. From the end of the transition period, a site operating without a licence or temporary exemption will be breaking New Zealand law. Operators that did not apply by 1 December 2026 must stop serving New Zealand players. If you hold a balance at one, withdraw it well before it exits.
Some sites will disappear
All licensed operators will be held to the same regulatory standards, meaning people who choose to gamble will be better protected. These standards will ensure online casinos are fair and secure and that harm is minimised. To help customers identify which online casinos are licensed and meet New Zealand’s regulatory requirements, we will publish a public register of licensed online casinos. Licensed casinos will also be required to display a unique registration icon on their platforms and in their advertising, making it easier for players to recognise licensed operators. Yes, but only when provided by operators that are legally authorised under New Zealand law. From 2026, online casino gambling is subject to a formal licensing system, meaning only 15 approved operators can legally offer these services to Kiwi players.
We believe that the best way a player can be successful and in control of his gambling habits is through the power of information.
Read on the article from my New Zealand DLA Piper colleagues Nick Valentine and Vivian Mitchell for details on the licensing pathway, requirements, and key dates, as well as the risks of non-compliance.
The DIA will publish the licensed operators and the brands they run, and a legitimate site will match that list exactly.
Up to 15 online casino gambling licences will be available, each valid for a period of up to three years, with the possibility to renew for a further five years.
In 2023 the brand was relaunched as an independent affiliate and review platform.
All other online casinos will be legally required to exit the New Zealand market.
By contrast, unlicensed offshore sites may fall outside those safeguards entirely, leaving players more exposed if something goes wrong. Once a licence is granted, advertising is allowed subject to restrictions set under the Act. From 1 May 2026 operators must not advertise online casino gambling services to New Zealand customers while unlicensed. Advertising remains prohibited while an application is under assessment, though the applicant may continue operating. Once a licence is granted, the operator may advertise in New Zealand subject to restrictions set under the Act. Yes, sports betting is legal in New Zealand when offered through authorised and regulated channels.
We keep our findings transparent and unbiased, so you won’t have any unpleasant surprises with the New Zealand casinos we analyze.
The detailed regulations supporting the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 have now been released.
Operators who operate without a licence post 1 December 2026 could be liable for a penalty of up to NZD5 million for a body corporate, or NZD300,000 for an individual.
There are currently no changes for online casino customers in New Zealand.
In our review process, a fair banking policy means fast withdrawal times that are approved within one day and no withdrawal fees.
We no longer accept player registrations, process deposits, or offer gambling services.
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The Department of Internal Affairs is not obliged to issue all fifteen, so the licensed market may end up smaller. I have been following this programme since the Bill stage and updating this page as each milestone moves. The dates below are the ones that matter to you as a player, because they determine which sites will still be here in 2027 and which will not. This page is written and fact-checked by Charlotte Wilson, who read law at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, and every claim traces to a primary source listed at the bottom. It is general information about how the law applies to consumers, not advice on your circumstances. This information, together with the material provided at the EOI stage, will be used to assess whether the provider is suitable to hold a licence.
There are 36 online operators registered and paying Goods and Services Tax (GST) to the New Zealand government. This includes global operators Flutter, Super Group, Bet365 and Entain as well as local land-based incumbent SkyCity. In an update on the country’s gambling regulation, Van Velden said each brand would require one licence to operate and these 15 licences will be awarded by auction. A bill will be introduced in April 2025 then enacted before the end of the year. The vetting and auction process will start on 2 February 2026 and licensed providers will be able to commence trading in April 2026. According to our guide, there are various types of blackjack hands, all of which serve different purposes in the blackjack casino game.
We open real accounts,deposit our own New Zealand dollars and time every withdrawal — then publish what we found,including the parts that cost us commission. Gambling is entertainment, never a way to make money or escape stress. Set a deposit limit before youplay rather than during a bad run, never chase a loss, and stop when it stops being fun.
Operators who currently rely on any of the prohibited methods of advertising will need to rebuild their strategy around compliant, direct advertising and demonstrate that plan in any licence application. The new system caps the market at up to 15 licences, each covering one brand, and no person may have significant influence over more than 3 licences (section 19). This guidance provides detailed information on the auction process, principles, and requirements for auction participation.
The end of New Zealand’s offshore grey market
Other forms of gambling, such as land-based casinos and regulated sports betting, also remain legal when properly licensed. The legal framework in New Zealand continues to evolve as the government moves toward a regulated online casino market. From 1 December 2026, operators that have not applied for a licence must cease conducting online casino gambling in New Zealand. Those that have submitted an application may continue operating (without advertising) under an exemption until the application is determined.
Our editors spend hours using bonus codes and claiming promotions from online casinos in NZ, using them to their fullest extent, and reading bonus policies. We use our editorial expertise in this industry and write full bonus guides, breaking down every finding for you to understand better. To promote responsible gambling and prevent the use of borrowed money for wagering, the 2026 regulations include a ban on credit card deposits.
For example, the DIA has issued infringement notices to multiple social media influencers who promoted offshore casino services to New Zealand audiences, as well as to the offshore operator itself. While the successful auction operators are being announced, the brands that may ultimately operate under a licence are not being published at this stage. Operators may make changes throughout the application process, and approved brands will be published on a public register owned by the Department of Internal Affairs once their licence has been granted.
Responsible gambling — play it safe, Kiwi
The headline one for slots players is the NZ online casino autoplay ban. If you are an online casino operator considering the New Zealand market or have Zoccer Casino Review questions about the licensing process, please get in touch with my DLA Piper colleagues Nick Valentine or Vivian Mitchell. You can read about the different gambling regimes in almost 50 jurisdictions in the DLA Piper Gambling Laws of the World guide. As of 28 June 2025, online racing and sports betting is prohibited unless it is operated by New Zealand’s domestic provider TAB NZ. If you think a licensed online casino has not met the required standards, you will be able to complain either directly to the online casino or to us as the regulator of online casino gambling in New Zealand. Licensed operators will need to comply with regulations designed to ensure system integrity, player protection, and responsible gambling.
It effectively reshapes how online casino gaming is offered and monitored, ensuring that only a limited number of authorised operators can legally serve the country. For players, legal land-based options in New Zealand include pokies, table games like blackjack and roulette, baccarat, poker, and lotteries. Racing and sports betting also remain available through authorised domestic providers, ensuring a regulated environment for all major forms of betting.
All participants are treated equally, the process is easy to understand, and decisions are made openly rather than through sealed bids or complex bidding strategies. All stages of the licensing process will be run through the Government Electronic Tenders (GETS) website. Further information and guidance will be provided as each stage of implementation progresses. It never changes the order of our ratings — read how we make money. It has a rich history and has evolved to include different variants over time.
Previously, online casino gambling occupied a grey area for consumers, as residents could access offshore sites while domestic businesses were prohibited from operating them. However, the new 2026 framework eliminates this ambiguity by requiring offshore operators to secure one of 15 available local licences to legally serve the market. This ensures that Kiwi players have access to local consumer protections that were previously limited.
Once licences are granted, we will only promote DIA-licensed online casinos to New Zealand visitors. From 1 December 2026, providers are required to cease conducting online casino gambling in New Zealand if they have not applied for a licence. Providers who have submitted a licence application can continue to operate until the outcome of their application has been determined. If the licence application is declined, the provider will be required to cease all online casino gambling operations in New Zealand and must exit the market. The country’s government announced it would regulate online casinos for the first time in July.
New Zealand Online Casino Laws and Licensing Guide 2026
Licensed casinos must display a unique registration icon on their platforms and in their advertising, and the DIA will publish a public register of licensed online casinos. The auction attracted 32 bidders and concluded after 10 rounds, with the final auction price reaching $15 million (NZD) per licence. The auction determined who has won the right to apply for an online casino gambling licence.
Bonuses
To get an edge when playing , you must learn about the blackjack hands and how they work. The CasinoList editorial team has covered some of the most common hands you will find when you play blackjack online. With every casino review we put out, we make sure to engage with support staff and test how well they can resolve different problems, by simulating real-life issues and asking questions about our accounts. We also consider the number of support channels a player can use, as well as the hours of operation.
Legislation and Compliance:
From Lucky Bonus to Dragon 7, explore the top bets and expert tips for a thrilling gaming experience. Our engagement approach is built on transparency and fairness. From the end of the transition period, a site operating without a licence or temporary exemption will be breaking New Zealand law. Operators that did not apply by 1 December 2026 must stop serving New Zealand players. If you hold a balance at one, withdraw it well before it exits.
Some sites will disappear
All licensed operators will be held to the same regulatory standards, meaning people who choose to gamble will be better protected. These standards will ensure online casinos are fair and secure and that harm is minimised. To help customers identify which online casinos are licensed and meet New Zealand’s regulatory requirements, we will publish a public register of licensed online casinos. Licensed casinos will also be required to display a unique registration icon on their platforms and in their advertising, making it easier for players to recognise licensed operators. Yes, but only when provided by operators that are legally authorised under New Zealand law. From 2026, online casino gambling is subject to a formal licensing system, meaning only 15 approved operators can legally offer these services to Kiwi players.
By contrast, unlicensed offshore sites may fall outside those safeguards entirely, leaving players more exposed if something goes wrong. Once a licence is granted, advertising is allowed subject to restrictions set under the Act. From 1 May 2026 operators must not advertise online casino gambling services to New Zealand customers while unlicensed. Advertising remains prohibited while an application is under assessment, though the applicant may continue operating. Once a licence is granted, the operator may advertise in New Zealand subject to restrictions set under the Act. Yes, sports betting is legal in New Zealand when offered through authorised and regulated channels.
Best Bitcoin Casinos to Play At
The Department of Internal Affairs is not obliged to issue all fifteen, so the licensed market may end up smaller. I have been following this programme since the Bill stage and updating this page as each milestone moves. The dates below are the ones that matter to you as a player, because they determine which sites will still be here in 2027 and which will not. This page is written and fact-checked by Charlotte Wilson, who read law at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, and every claim traces to a primary source listed at the bottom. It is general information about how the law applies to consumers, not advice on your circumstances. This information, together with the material provided at the EOI stage, will be used to assess whether the provider is suitable to hold a licence.
There are 36 online operators registered and paying Goods and Services Tax (GST) to the New Zealand government. This includes global operators Flutter, Super Group, Bet365 and Entain as well as local land-based incumbent SkyCity. In an update on the country’s gambling regulation, Van Velden said each brand would require one licence to operate and these 15 licences will be awarded by auction. A bill will be introduced in April 2025 then enacted before the end of the year. The vetting and auction process will start on 2 February 2026 and licensed providers will be able to commence trading in April 2026. According to our guide, there are various types of blackjack hands, all of which serve different purposes in the blackjack casino game.
We open real accounts,deposit our own New Zealand dollars and time every withdrawal — then publish what we found,including the parts that cost us commission. Gambling is entertainment, never a way to make money or escape stress. Set a deposit limit before youplay rather than during a bad run, never chase a loss, and stop when it stops being fun.
Operators who currently rely on any of the prohibited methods of advertising will need to rebuild their strategy around compliant, direct advertising and demonstrate that plan in any licence application. The new system caps the market at up to 15 licences, each covering one brand, and no person may have significant influence over more than 3 licences (section 19). This guidance provides detailed information on the auction process, principles, and requirements for auction participation.
The end of New Zealand’s offshore grey market
Other forms of gambling, such as land-based casinos and regulated sports betting, also remain legal when properly licensed. The legal framework in New Zealand continues to evolve as the government moves toward a regulated online casino market. From 1 December 2026, operators that have not applied for a licence must cease conducting online casino gambling in New Zealand. Those that have submitted an application may continue operating (without advertising) under an exemption until the application is determined.
Our editors spend hours using bonus codes and claiming promotions from online casinos in NZ, using them to their fullest extent, and reading bonus policies. We use our editorial expertise in this industry and write full bonus guides, breaking down every finding for you to understand better. To promote responsible gambling and prevent the use of borrowed money for wagering, the 2026 regulations include a ban on credit card deposits.
For example, the DIA has issued infringement notices to multiple social media influencers who promoted offshore casino services to New Zealand audiences, as well as to the offshore operator itself. While the successful auction operators are being announced, the brands that may ultimately operate under a licence are not being published at this stage. Operators may make changes throughout the application process, and approved brands will be published on a public register owned by the Department of Internal Affairs once their licence has been granted.
Responsible gambling — play it safe, Kiwi
The headline one for slots players is the NZ online casino autoplay ban. If you are an online casino operator considering the New Zealand market or have Zoccer Casino Review questions about the licensing process, please get in touch with my DLA Piper colleagues Nick Valentine or Vivian Mitchell. You can read about the different gambling regimes in almost 50 jurisdictions in the DLA Piper Gambling Laws of the World guide. As of 28 June 2025, online racing and sports betting is prohibited unless it is operated by New Zealand’s domestic provider TAB NZ. If you think a licensed online casino has not met the required standards, you will be able to complain either directly to the online casino or to us as the regulator of online casino gambling in New Zealand. Licensed operators will need to comply with regulations designed to ensure system integrity, player protection, and responsible gambling.
It effectively reshapes how online casino gaming is offered and monitored, ensuring that only a limited number of authorised operators can legally serve the country. For players, legal land-based options in New Zealand include pokies, table games like blackjack and roulette, baccarat, poker, and lotteries. Racing and sports betting also remain available through authorised domestic providers, ensuring a regulated environment for all major forms of betting.
All participants are treated equally, the process is easy to understand, and decisions are made openly rather than through sealed bids or complex bidding strategies. All stages of the licensing process will be run through the Government Electronic Tenders (GETS) website. Further information and guidance will be provided as each stage of implementation progresses. It never changes the order of our ratings — read how we make money. It has a rich history and has evolved to include different variants over time.
Previously, online casino gambling occupied a grey area for consumers, as residents could access offshore sites while domestic businesses were prohibited from operating them. However, the new 2026 framework eliminates this ambiguity by requiring offshore operators to secure one of 15 available local licences to legally serve the market. This ensures that Kiwi players have access to local consumer protections that were previously limited.
Once licences are granted, we will only promote DIA-licensed online casinos to New Zealand visitors. From 1 December 2026, providers are required to cease conducting online casino gambling in New Zealand if they have not applied for a licence. Providers who have submitted a licence application can continue to operate until the outcome of their application has been determined. If the licence application is declined, the provider will be required to cease all online casino gambling operations in New Zealand and must exit the market. The country’s government announced it would regulate online casinos for the first time in July.
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