Key Moments:
- New Zealand has begun accepting Expressions of Interest for its first online casino licensing process.
- Authorities will award up to 15 online casino licenses through a three-stage competitive process.
- The Department of Internal Affairs has published market intelligence reports to support applicants.
Formal Launch of Online Casino Licensing
New Zealand has officially launched the first stage of its regulated online gambling market under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is now accepting Expressions of Interest (EOIs) from operators. This marks the beginning of a three-stage licensing process that could award up to 15 online casino licenses.
However, the rollout will take time. The DIA said “the full licensed online casino gambling regime is not expected to be fully operational until 2027.”
Three-Stage Licensing Process
The framework allows up to 15 licenses, with each license linked to a single brand. Licenses remain valid for up to three years and can be renewed for another five years. Additionally, operators may hold no more than three licenses.
The process begins with an Expression of Interest. Successful applicants will then enter an auction before submitting a full license application. EOIs opened on 17 July and close on 14 August. Meanwhile, only approved applicants can participate in the September auction.
Auction Rules
Successful bidders will submit full license applications from October. The DIA confirmed that Cabinet selected an auction for the first competitive process. The Secretary for Internal Affairs will set the auction rules and oversee the event.
Authorities chose an ascending clock auction because it promotes transparency and fairness. As a result, every bidder competes at the same price level during each round until demand matches the number of available licenses.
| License Process Step | Key Details | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Expression of Interest | Operators submit EOIs | 17 July – 14 August |
| Auction | Approved applicants compete in an ascending clock auction | September |
| License Application | Successful bidders submit full applications | From October |
Transitional Rules
During the transition period, the government will enforce strict rules. For example, online casino advertising remains prohibited in New Zealand. The DIA said, “At this stage, online casino gambling advertising is prohibited in New Zealand. Online casinos must not advertise online casino gambling services to New Zealand customers.”
Furthermore, no new operators may enter the market until the licensing system is fully operational. Only providers already serving New Zealand customers can continue operating. The DIA also confirmed that an operator’s compliance record will play a key role in the licensing assessment.
Market Reports Support Applicants
The DIA has also released two market intelligence reports covering the period from October 2023 to September 2025. The reports examine online casino gambling, sports and race betting, and offshore lotteries using consumer card transaction data.
According to the department, these reports were among the most requested resources from prospective applicants. However, the reports rely on data from a single bank, measure deposits instead of betting activity, and exclude Lotto NZ and TAB.
Player Trends and Responsible Gambling
According to SiGMA News, most online gamblers in New Zealand are working-age adults who value convenience and entertainment. Lottery games remain the country’s most popular gambling product. Meanwhile, online casino and sports betting mostly take place at home.
Data from Blask showed that about 94% of respondents considered themselves non-problem gamblers. Therefore, responsible gambling remains a central part of the government’s new regulatory framework.
Industry Events
SiGMA News also highlighted upcoming industry events. It noted: “All roads lead to the mother of all conferences in Rome from 02 to 05 November 2026. SiGMA World takes over Fiera Roma, bringing together 30,000 delegates, 1,000+ exhibitors, and 550+ expert speakers. This is where the right room can change your roadmap.”
- Author
Daniel Williams
