New Zealand plans a regulated online casino launch later in 2026, according to the Waterhouse VC newsletter described in the report. The report says offshore operators declared NZ$520.8 million in liable gambling revenue for the 12 months to 30 June 2025 and paid NZ$62.5 million in duty.
A domestic online casino framework could change the market conditions for operators currently serving New Zealand customers offshore.
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New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs confirmed on Tuesday that 11 operators received rights to apply for online casino licences after an auction. The process involved 32 bidders over 10 rounds and ended at NZ$15 million per licence; Baytree Interactive Limited (Betway) received three rights, while Playvia Gaming (NZ) Limited (Entain) received two. Formal licences remain subject to applications and regulatory assessment, with awards expected in early 2027.
New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs confirmed on Tuesday that 11 operators have secured rights to apply for online casino licences following an expression of interest auction. The auction ended at a final price of NZ$15m per licence, with 32 bidders competing over 10 rounds for 15 available licences. The department granted 15 rights to apply to the 11 successful participants, and some companies secured more than one right, allowing them to submit separate applications.
Entain has introduced BlackRush Casino for New Zealand’s planned online casino market, reportedly ahead of the market’s expected May launch. The launch follows the country’s 29 September licence auction, but winning an auction place only gives operators the right to apply for a licence, the Department of Internal Affairs explained. Each brand needs separate approval.
Reportedly, New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs opened expressions of interest for 15 online casino licences. Applications close on 14 August 2026 with a non-refundable NZ$19,000 fee, and applicants must show at least NZ$7.5m in capital. An auction follows in September ahead of a 2027 market launch.
It was reported that New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs launched an expressions-of-interest stage for online gaming licences. The stage forms part of its licensing application process.
New Zealand’s new online casino advertising regulations restrict who may appear in adverts and when they may run, but do not limit advertising frequency, according to the report. The rules will take effect when the first licences are issued; the licensing process is expected to begin with an expression-of-interest stage, and up to 15 operators may enter the market.