New Zealand Sets December 2026 Target to Launch Regulated Online Casino Market
New Zealand is moving forward with plans to regulate online gambling, the government expects to launch the new market on December 1, 2026. The Department of Internal Affairs will oversee the changes, officials aim to protect consumers and capture lost tax revenue through a strict licensing system.
Unregulated Grey Market Prompted Legislative Review
For years, New Zealanders have legally gambled on offshore websites, however, domestic companies could not offer these services. This created a "grey market" where international operators faced no local oversight, this left players vulnerable to harm without legal recourse. The Department of Internal Affairs began reviewing these laws in 2019, they realized the 2003 Gambling Act failed to address digital betting. The government now seeks to close this regulatory gap, ensuring safety standards and keeping revenue within the country.
Auction System Will Limit Market to Fifteen Operators
The Governance and Administration Committee has recommended the bill's passage, this sets the stage for a competitive licensing process. Only 15 licenses will be available for online casino operators, these will be allocated through an auction system starting in 2026. The legislation covers random number games and poker, however, it excludes existing operations like Lotto NZ. Regulators plan to finalize specific rules by mid-2026, this gives companies time to adjust to the new requirements.
New Rules for Payments and Advertising
Strict financial controls are central to the plan. Operators must block credit card deposits, this forces players to use debit cards to prevent debt accumulation. Advertising rules will tighten starting May 1, 2026, companies will face higher penalties for breaking these standards. Furthermore, the offshore gambling duty will rise from 12% to 16%, the extra funds will support community projects previously funded by land-based machines.
Community Groups to Receive Dedicated Funding Stream
Community organizations have worried about losing grants from traditional gambling sources, the new bill addresses this by securing approximately $11.5 million USD annually for local projects. Players will see major changes in safety measures, a national self-exclusion register will launch by late 2027 to help problem gamblers. The market will likely consolidate, consumers may have fewer websites to choose from but those remaining will offer greater security.
The bill awaits its second reading before final enactment early next year. Operators must prepare now for the auction process, officials expect the first legal sites to go live in December 2026.
