New Zealand Regulator Invites Online Casino Operators to Express Interest in New Regime

By Arijit Roul - 25 Jun, 2025 More about the author

The New Zealand Government plans to bring in a new regulatory system for online casino gambling, aiming to make sure gambling is safe, fair, and controlled for all New Zealanders. Trina Lowry, who directs the Online Gambling Implementation Programme, said, “Operators interested in New Zealand need to register at www.dia.govt.nz/OGI to show their interest.”

She explained that the government wants the new system to be simple, helpful, and easy for those who want to operate. Officials also want to talk with operators to learn what information would benefit them most during the changes and to know about their skills and needs. Officials confirmed that licences will be given using a competitive process, meaning each operator must meet strict regulatory standards to join.

People already use various offshore websites for online casino gambling in New Zealand, so it is not something new for regular users. Giving rules to this part of gambling allows consumer protection, lowers harm from gambling, and gives the authorities oversight of how these online casino companies work in New Zealand. The Gambling Act 2003 still bans all ads promoting online casino gambling, but new rules will allow licensed operators to legally advertise to people in New Zealand.