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New Zealand has completed the legislative process for its Online Casino Gambling Bill, with the measure passing its third and final reading in Parliament and moving toward Royal Assent, according to Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden.
The government said the framework introduces a regulated online casino market with requirements covering taxation, licensing, and player safeguards. Once enacted, the law is expected to take effect on May 1, following formal approval by the Governor-General.
Officials outlined a phased approach to market implementation. A three-stage licensing process will make up to 15 online casino licenses available through a competitive allocation. The regulated market is scheduled to launch on December 1.
From 2027, only licensed operators will be permitted to provide online casino services in New Zealand.
Operators already active in New Zealand before May 1, 2026, may continue operating until December 1, 2026, but will be prohibited from advertising to local consumers during that transition period. The legislation also prevents new market entrants from offering services without a license. Further guidance for prospective applicants is scheduled for release on May 1.
The Department of Internal Affairs will oversee the sector using expanded enforcement mechanisms.
“The Department of Internal Affairs will regulate the sector using strengthened enforcement tools, including take-down notices, formal warnings, enforceable undertakings, and penalties of up to NZ$5 million for serious or persistent breaches,” van Velden said.
“These tools will ensure that New Zealand law applies to all online casino gambling available in New Zealand, regardless of where operators are located, closing off avenues for avoidance and strengthening the regulator’s ability to monitor and enforce compliance by international operators,” she added.
The framework applies to both domestic and offshore operators offering services to New Zealand consumers. Advertising restrictions will remain in place, although licensed operators will be permitted to advertise under defined conditions once approved. Breaches of advertising rules may incur penalties of up to NZ$5 million (US$ 2.9 million).
The legislation requires licensed operators to pay taxes on gambling revenue.
“The Bill also supports the coalition agreement by closing the gambling tax loophole and requiring licensed online casino operators to pay tax, just like any other business operating in New Zealand,” said Van Velden.
“Submissions on this Bill made it clear that New Zealanders also want the benefits from the online casino gambling to flow back to local sports clubs, community groups, and grassroots organisations. This Bill delivers on that expectation,” she added.
Supporting regulations covering advertising, harm minimization and prevention, consumer protection, and cost recovery fees and levies are expected later this year.
Some operators have already publicly indicated plans to participate in the licensing process, including Entain and SkyCity Entertainment Group.
Stella David, Chief Executive Officer of Entain, stated during the company’s 2025 full-year earnings presentation that it intends to apply for three licenses in the New Zealand market.
At the same time, several operators are facing coordinated legal action. Claims have been filed in the High Court in Auckland against bet365, SkyCity Entertainment, and Super Group related to retrospective gambling activities.
The bill now awaits Royal Assent, after which implementation will proceed under the outlined timeline.