The New Zealand government has officially initiated the first stage of its new online casino licensing framework, inviting operators to submit expressions of interest (EOIs) for one of 15 licences under the recently enacted Online Casino Gambling Act 2026. This marks the country’s first step in transitioning a largely offshore-controlled market toward a regulated domestic system.
EOI Stage and Requirements
Effective 17 July 2026, the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has opened the EOI submission process, with companies required to submit entries via the Government Electronic Tender Service (GETS) by 14 August. A non-refundable fee of NZ$19,000 (approximately US$11,100) is required for each submission.
The process places emphasis on financial stability and operational transparency. Applicants must demonstrate access to at least NZ$7.5 million in capital and provide full disclosure on ownership, management structures, and the gambling platforms they intend to operate. Individuals linked to the operator are required to submit identification, criminal record clearances, and documentation verifying funds. Any prior regulatory breaches, legal investigations, or insolvency events must also be disclosed.
Operators may apply for up to three licences each, while the government will issue no more than 15 licences in total. Approved licences will initially run for three years, with the possibility of a five-year renewal. Licensed operators are expected to offer games including slots, blackjack, roulette, peer-to-peer poker, and computer-simulated sports events, while TAB NZ retains its monopoly over conventional sports and racing betting.
Auction and Full Application Timeline
Following the EOI phase, the next stage is an auction scheduled for September 2026. Successful bidders will then be invited to submit full licence applications from October. The government anticipates final licences will be issued in early 2027, aligning with the market’s planned launch.
A DIA spokesperson highlighted that the 2027 timeline ensures regulators have sufficient time to evaluate submissions thoroughly and establish a robust compliance framework. “A 2027 launch provides the necessary lead time to complete this work in a robust and considered manner, consistent with the requirements of the Act,” the spokesperson said to iGaming Business back in June. Legal experts have emphasized that the timeline reflects a deliberate approach to regulatory design, prioritizing consumer protections and market integrity over speed.
Prior to regulation, much of New Zealand’s online gambling activity occurred offshore. Research commissioned by the DIA indicated that through September 2025, New Zealand players had deposited NZ$1.36 billion with overseas operators, predominantly in hybrid casino-sportsbook formats. Only 14% of deposits were for casino-only brands, while 77% went to hybrid operators.
Domestic licensing will largely formalize the concentration already present in the market, as the 15 largest registered offshore operators previously accounted for nearly all reported gross gambling revenue. Nevertheless, enforcement mechanisms—including geoblocking and fines up to NZ$5 million—will be imposed on unlicensed operators. Licensed entities will be subject to local taxes, including GST, gambling duty, and regulatory levies, while the offshore gambling duty will increase from 12% to 16% starting January 2027, with revenues directed through the Lottery Grants Board.
Several major operators have indicated interest in entering the regulated market. Entain has signalled intentions to secure three licences, leveraging its exclusive TAB brand to cross-sell online casino games and sports betting. SkyCity also views domestic licensing as a strategic opportunity. The controlled rollout allows existing offshore operators to decide whether they will submit to New Zealand’s regulatory oversight or exit the market.