New Zealand is set to end years of unregulated online gambling with a new casino bill. The law will create a regulated market in 2026 and hold a competitive auction for 15 online casino licences. The Department of Internal Affairs will manage the process to improve player safety and keep gambling money in the country.

Until now, online casinos have been banned locally, but players could still use offshore sites. This has sent between NZ$700 million and NZ$900 million out of the country each year. Players are drawn to these sites for flexible payments, live dealer games, big bonuses, and foreign licensing.

Licensing process and market limits

Under the new law, offshore operators must either get a New Zealand licence or leave the market. The licensing process has three steps: an expression of interest, a competitive auction, and a full application to operate legally.

All operators must follow the new rules by 1 July 2026, or they will be banned from serving New Zealand players. Big companies like Bet365 and 888 are already interested in competing for the limited licences.

The government has set strict limits on ownership. Each platform can hold only one licence, and a single operator can have up to three. Licences last three years, with a one-time renewal option of five years. This helps keep the market manageable and easier to regulate.

Taxes, revenue and advertising rules

Licensed operators will have to pay a 12 percent duty on gross betting revenue plus a 15 percent goods and services tax. From 2027, the gambling duty will increase to 16 percent to help fund community programs.

Revenue estimates vary. The Inland Revenue Department expects about NZ$35 million a year, while the National Party projects up to NZ$176 million. Operators will also pay a 1.24 percent gambling levy to support player help services.

Advertising will be limited. Gambling ads cannot run between 6:00 am and 9:30 pm, and social media influencers and sponsorships will be banned. Platforms must also provide tools like deposit limits and time tracking to encourage responsible gambling.

A major shift for New Zealand

The bill is a major change, moving from offshore gambling to official regulation. Officials say it will protect players better and keep gambling revenue in the country. They also see it as a way to make online gambling safer by adding rules like deposit limits, time tracking, and responsible play tools.

A summary stated that the government is choosing “formalised oversight as opposed to grey market operations.” The law is expected to start in early 2026, with the first online casino licences issued by December, marking a new chapter for gambling in New Zealand.