New Zealand sets three-stage process for online casino licences
New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs outlined a three-stage process for online casino licences following implementation of the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 on 1 May. Expressions of interest are due to be invited in July 2026, followed by an auction and formal applications; up to 15 brand-specific licences may be issued.
Prospective operators must enter the staged process, while unlicensed services must cease serving New Zealand customers by 1 December 2026.