The New Zealand government plans to license and regulate online casino gambling by 2026. Join us as we explore Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden's official statement.
Big news has just dropped for Kiwi casino fans. The New Zealand government plans to license and regulate online casino gambling by 2026. This is exciting for online casino operators and players who have been waiting for this kind of move for years.
On July 30, 2024, the Honourable Brooke van Velden, our Minister of Internal Affairs, shared the good news on the New Zealand Government’s official website.
In the post van Velden said:
“There will be a licencing system for online casinos, where operators will need to comply with a set of criteria before they will be able to offer services to New Zealanders. It will be illegal for unlicensed operators to offer services to New Zealanders.”
Ms. van Velden also stressed that this isn’t about increasing gambling. Instead, it's about controlling it, she explained:
“Licensing is how we regulate most forms of gambling domestically. This isn’t meant to make us gamble more but to ensure operators protect consumers and minimise harm while paying taxes.”
The government is taking this seriously. They've confirmed that the first licenses should go live in 2026. The proposed Gambling Act aims to open New Zealand to offshore licensed online casinos with a high-level approach. The goals are to increase tax revenues, reduce gambling harm, and better protect players.
Speaking on the go-live timeline, van Velden said:
“I expect the new regulatory system to be in place from early 2026, and the public will have the chance to give feedback during the Select Committee process. The Department of Internal Affairs will be the regulator.”
Just like other regulated markets, New Zealand will offer a limited number of conditional licenses, valid for three years before needing renewal. They’re taking cues from other leading markets, especially regarding advertising. Operators will be able to advertise legally but won’t be allowed to sponsor events, venues, or sports teams where the audience isn’t limited to adults of gambling age (18+).
The new licenses will be strictly for online casino games. Sports betting and lotteries won't be included in this deal. Whether the government intends to hold these products as a state-owned monopoly or open up separate licensing opportunities is yet to be revealed.
What we do know is that you will be able to claim casino bonuses and play your favourite casino games at licensed online and mobile casinos by 2026!
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