The Government introduced the Online Casino Gambling Bill (Bill) on June 30, 2025. This marks a significant shift in the approach of New Zealand to remote gambling regulation. The Bill proposes a framework for licensing and regulating online casino gambling operators in New Zealand. The Gambling Act 2003 (Gambling Act) has recently restricted these operators.
Remote interactive gambling hosted by operators within New Zealand is illegal under the current law. Yet, the Gambling Act does not restrict New Zealanders from accessing offshore gambling websites. The new Bill looks to close this regulatory gap through establishing a controlled licensing regime for domestic online casino operators. A regulated framework allows for local oversight and better consumer protections, helping return gambling revenue to New Zealand.
The Bill proposes issuing up to 15 licenses for online casino gambling operators during the first regulatory period, from 2026 to 2029. The Regulator will grant each license for an initial term of three years. The Regulator may renew licenses for up to five additional years. Operators must activate their licenses within 90 days of issuance. To prevent anti-competitive behavior, the Regulator will suspend or cancel any unused licenses.
Each license will apply to a specific brand, website, or platform. Operators may hold a maximum of three licenses in total. Licenses will be non-transferable. Any change in brand ownership or structure will trigger a reassessment by the Regulator.
The scope of regulated activities includes online casino games such as slot machines and table games. It also covers peer-to-peer games like poker. The Bill excludes sports betting and racing unless they are conducted virtually and based on chance. Operators must implement strong identity and age verification systems. These measures ensure that only individuals aged 18 and over can access licensed platforms.
