New Zealand’s Parliament approved legislation establishing a regulated online casino market with 15 licences. The Department of Internal Affairs will oversee licensing and compliance, while the framework adds consumer-protection requirements, enforcement powers and a community funding model.
The 15-licence framework will set market-entry, compliance and consumer-protection requirements for online casino operators in New Zealand.
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New Zealand’s Parliament passed the Online Casino Gambling Bill at its third and final reading; it awaits Royal assent and is due to take effect on 1 May, according to the report. The Department of Internal Affairs is expected to issue up to 15 licences from early 2027, while existing operators may continue until 1 December but cannot advertise in the country. Further licensing guidance is due on 1 May.
Three group proceedings in New Zealand allege that bet365, Super Group and SkyCity offered gambling services unlawfully. Judge Ian Gault said the cases raise similar issues but has not joined them; the claims against SkyCity concern losses between February 2020 and February 2026, and SkyCity says it will defend the proceedings.
New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs said it is monitoring Australia’s planned gambling advertising reforms but is not moving to adopt similar restrictions for now. The department is prioritising the Online Casino Gambling Bill, which is expected to be enacted in May 2026 and would establish a licensing system for up to 15 operators.
New Zealand is holding off on Australia-style sports betting advertising restrictions while prioritising an online casino framework expected to be enacted in May 2026. The Department of Internal Affairs said it will assess Australia’s reforms before considering similar measures; the bill would establish a licensing system for up to 15 operators.
New Zealand is preparing an Online Casino Gambling Bill to license online casino operators, according to the report. The proposal would cap licences at 15 and allow fines of up to NZ$5 million for unlicensed services; the report says regulators estimate online casino spending reached about NZ$1.3 billion in 2025.