New Zealand will launch its regulated online casino market in 2027 following the enactment of the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026. The government delayed the initial June 2026 target to implement a framework focused on licensing limits and consumer protection.
The legislation establishes a strict licensing cap of 15 permits for the entire market. Individual operators are restricted to holding a maximum of three licenses, with each permit assigned to a single brand or platform. This structure excludes race and sports betting, which remain under the exclusive control of TAB New Zealand.
Regulatory Constraints and Financial Obligations
Market access involves stringent compliance measures, including a ban on affiliate and influencer advertising. Financial obligations for operators include a gambling duty increasing from 12% to 16%, alongside a 15% GST and a 1.24% problem gambling levy. Additionally, companies must pay a 3.5% licensing fee and satisfy anti-money laundering requirements.
Jarrod True, director of True Legal, characterized the legislation as a move from an unregulated offshore market to a controlled regime. He stated, "The most significant shift is the move from an unregulated offshore market to a tightly controlled, licence-limited regime."
Previously, New Zealand allowed offshore gambling sites to serve local customers without a formal domestic regulatory regime. The new act replaces this era with a formalized licensing system.