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New Zealand will begin rolling out its new licensing framework for online casinos in July 2026, marking the country’s first attempt to bring the sector under direct domestic control.
The reform comes as officials warn that more than NZ$750 million leaves the country annually through offshore platforms.
The Department of Internal Affairs set the timeline after the Online Casino Gambling Bill cleared its first reading last year and moved toward final passage this May. Once enacted, the regime will begin in July 2026 and introduce a staged approval process capped at 15 operators, with each step designed to ensure transparency and compliance.
Three years license to be granted
The first stage of New Zealand’s new iGaming licensing process will open as soon as the Online Casino Gambling Bill becomes law, with operators invited to formally declare their interest according to an iGB report.
That expression-of-interest period will run for one to two months before closing. Within a month of that closure, the DIA plans to hold a license auction, giving eligible operators the chance to compete for one of the limited slots. The auction itself is expected to take up to two months.
Winners from the auction will then move forward to submit full applications. These will be assessed over several months, focusing on compliance with consumer protection rules, financial stability, and operational integrity.
Licenses will be granted for an initial term of three years, with renewals available if operators continue to meet regulatory standards.
SkyCity and Entain already shown interest
Two of the biggest names in gaming have already stepped forward as New Zealand prepares to open its online casino market.
In early February, SkyCity Entertainment Group announced its intention to become a leading local operator once the new licensing regime takes effect. The company framed its move as part of a wide shift in how people engage with casinos, blending online play with traditional venues.
Chief executive Jason Walbridge stressed that SkyCity’s expansion will only happen under a safety-first approach, with player protection placed at the center of its plans.
Just days later, Entain also shared its own ambitions. Regional CEO Andrew Vouris outlined a strategy that goes beyond a single product, pointing to the group’s readiness to secure multiple licenses covering sports, racing, and casino offerings.
Entain’s confidence rests on its existing footprint in New Zealand, strengthened by a 25-year partnership with TAB New Zealand signed in 2023.
The DIA has already made moves to secure the market ahead of the pending launch, warning that any provider still operating without a license after 1 December 2026 must shut down. Penalties for non‑compliance include fines of up to NZ$5 million and forced exit from the market.
