Ahead of the Game: Preparing for New Zealand's 2026 Online Gambling Regulations

As we inch closer to a new year, New Zealand is gearing up to regulate gaming. With over 15 casino licenses up for grabs, operators are already showing interest in the new market. Now that New Zealand is closer to launching a set of new online gambling regulations, the world is gearing up to the new online market.

At present, there is no actual legal system regulating igaming in NZ. This means, players opt for offshore sites, with no actual protection. Unlicensed website casinos are not the ideal place to gamble responsible and have fun. Hence, the New Zealand lotteries commission aims to offer 15 brand casino licenses in 2026. As the country buckles up on protecting it's players base, it also aims to regulate gaming.

What changes can we expect?

Regulating online casinos in New Zealand is entrusted to Internal affairs Minister Brooke van Velden.

She explained that the gambling bill is currently being designed and drafted. A layout will be proposed to regulate and launch the market, and offer players a safe space to play whilst backed with regulations. The government's plans is to offer a safe gaming space to players. Minimizing online gambling harm is also a priority. The government will be doing this by targeting unlicensed sites.

A legal gambling setup will also allow the government to net in on tax generated by the industry. The same money will then be used within the community. Enhancing the education system, and offering further growth to New Zealand.

The country plans to offer 15 casino licenses to operators, with a set number of strict rules imposed to licensed sites. Casinos found to have allowed minors to gamble could have their license revoked, along with a hefty fine of NZ$5,000,000. Other restrictions include gambling sites having to choose between offering casino or sports.

How can operators apply for a NZ casino license?

Operators looking to apply for a gambling license would need to wait for the bill to pass through parliament. This is expected to happen sometime in early 2025.

The Online Gaming bill is set to launch in April 2025, with operators given around 6-8months to gear up on their regulations and compliance. Once, all necessary processes are completed, operators will be able to go through an auction system. The plan will see top operators go head to head to acquire a prestigious license (only 15 will be offered).

Brooke van Velden - Minister of Internal Affairs of New Zealand

If an operator is selected via the auction, a vetting system will be implemented, with each entity going through a tough review and KYC process. Once given the green light, the casino can start operating effectively by April 2026.

How will minors be protected from gambling at Kiwi Casinos?

New Zealand already has stringent rules revolving around underage gambling. Land based establishments are fined up to NZ$500 if they are caught allowing minors within the gambling premises. Harsher rules will apply to online gaming sites allowing players to join and play without them having reached the legal age of 18.

Advertising also is a sector that is high on the Internal affairs radar. The Minister stressed that although marketing and advertising will be allowed, limits will be expected. Just like the UK legislator, NZ will also prohibit sponsorships offered by online casinos.

Whilst these are a few of the elements we can expect from the regulatory system, we would need to wait for the new Bill to see how the legal framework will look.

What does this mean to Kiwi Casino Players?

Currently NZ casino players would need to visit offshore sites to be able to enjoy game of chance. Offshore websites can either be regulated by a non NZ regulator or not licensed at all. Unlicensed website sites are popular due to not having rules, or KYC processes. Rules are made up as they go along, dealing with each CS matter as it rises. Registering and playing at licensed sites will eliminate the risk of that, offering players a streamlined setup, backed up with rules that protect the player at all times.

Other perks of playing at NZ licensed sites, means players would not need to pay any exchange rates, and can also enjoy all of their deposits done in the NZ currency.

Tax generated by online casinos will also be distributed within the community. The revenue generated from licensed operators will now stay in New Zealand, rather than enjoyed by offshore gambling websites sites.

And finally, player protection. Responsible play has always been on everyone's radar. You want players to enjoy gaming responsibly, whilst being protected at all times. Whilst a legal framework lacks from unlicensed operators, legalizing gambling in NZ will tackle the shortfall. Once online casino gambling is regulated in the country, players will be protected all on fronts. Deposit limits, filtered marketing and other RG tools. This is what we expect for Kiwi players come 2026.

Final Thoughts

As operators gear up to land one of the prestigious gambling license, players are ready to welcome fresh sites. As we bring you this review on the new regulatory system, many operators have already shown interest in landing a license. Big names such as 888, Sky City, Bet365, Spin Bet and Spin City are amongst the few that have shown interested in the new market. In 2025, the Bill will be finalized allowing operators to prep before hoping to acquire one of the 15 licensed on offer. Licensed operators will then be able to open their NZ doors in 2026, with the market expected to reach a 6% growth by 2029.

Taking control of the online gambling sector is a positive move by the country lawmakers. This will see a focus on player protection, whilst also limiting the amount of unregulated offshore websites currently visited by players. This is echoed by the Minister's thoughts: “My goal is not to increase the amount of gambling that is happening online, but to enable New Zealanders who wish to play casino games online to do so more safely than they can today,” Van Velden stressed.