New Zealand has opened the first stage of its online casino licensing programme, allowing operators to compete for one of 15 licences ahead of the country’s regulated iGaming market launch in 2027.
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has invited companies to submit expressions of interest (EOIs) as part of a three-stage process to select operators for the new market. Applications opened on 17 July, with submissions due by 14 August.
Only accepted EOI applicants will move to the second stage, a licence auction expected in September. Successful bidders will then submit full licence applications in October, with final approvals expected in early 2027.
Licensing Rules Set Financial Standards
The government has capped the market at 15 licences, with operators limited to a maximum of three each.
EOI submissions require a non-refundable NZ$19,000 fee and proof that applicants have access to at least NZ$7.5 million in capital. Companies must provide details about ownership structures, key officers, gambling brands and intended platforms.
The DIA also requires supporting documents such as credit reports, identification records, criminal clearances or international equivalents, and evidence of available capital. Applicants must disclose previous regulatory breaches, legal investigations, insolvency events and adverse advertising decisions.
The government recently confirmed that TAB NZ can participate after reassessing its interpretation of existing legislation.
The Department said: “The TAB NZ is a statutory entity with specific functions described in the Racing Industry Act, including to conduct betting, broadcasting, and gaming, and to make rules under Part 4 relating to betting.”
It added: “We consider gaming has a broad meaning, encompassing online casino gambling.”
Minimum Standards Define Platform Requirements
The licensing process follows the introduction of the Online Casino Gambling Regulations 2026, which came into force on 3 July, and the Online Casino Gambling (Minimum Standards) 2026, effective from 8 July.
The Minimum Standards establish technical requirements for licensed platforms, covering harm prevention, consumer protection and information security.
Requirements include player limits, cooling-off periods, self-exclusion tools, 24-hour customer support, identity verification and location checks. Operators must also meet standards for random number generators, payment security and platform hosting.
Offshore providers that served New Zealand customers on 1 May can continue operating until 1 December under transitional arrangements.
The legislation also requires the Minister for Internal Affairs to recommend regulations for a centralised exclusion register by 1 December 2027.
“The Department has started initial high-level policy work on the register,” the government said.
It added: “Further decisions on the design of the register, consultation approach, and delivery arrangements are still to be made, so we are not in a position to provide further detail at this stage.”
New Zealand’s government expects the licensing framework to support the transition from an offshore market to a regulated online casino sector, with licences issued ahead of the planned 2027 launch.
Source:
"New Zealand opens online casino licensing process", gamingintelligence.com, July 17, 2026
Bubanja
22 days ago
Moderator
Capping the market at 15 licences is an interesting choice. It should keep standards high, but I just hope it doesn't make the market too concentrated. Healthy competition usually leads to better bonuses, better products, and a better experience for players.
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