What the Gambling Act 2003 prohibits
Section 9(2)(b) of the Gambling Act bans remote interactive gambling, meaning gambling by someone at a distance through a communication device. DIA says this covers a casino website run from New Zealand. Only approved forms run by the Lotteries Commission and the racing body, and certain licensed lotteries, are exempt.
The same Act forbids advertising overseas gambling. Fines run up to NZ$10,000, and messages meant to prevent or treat gambling harm are exempt.
For a player: is gambling online legal in New Zealand?
DIA's published guidance says gambling carried out overseas is not prohibited apart from betting on racing and sport. It adds that taking part on a website based overseas is not illegal for someone in New Zealand, and it warns that fraud protection then depends on the host country's legal system.
DIA's page for players also says that those who use an unlicensed platform do not get the protections that licensed casinos will have to provide.
Sports and racing betting
Since June 2025 online racing and sports betting has been prohibited unless TAB NZ runs it, and that includes its other brands. Overseas companies may keep offering online casino gambling for the time being, but racing and sports betting is closed to them.
The 2026 casino law
The Online Casino Gambling Act came into force on 1 May 2026. It sets up a licensing system with up to 15 licences, each for one brand.
From the December date, section 9 makes it unlawful to enable people in New Zealand to take part in online casino gambling without a licence. Section 10 prohibits advertising and marketing, including through affiliate networks. DIA lists penalties of up to NZ$5 million for serious breaches, and these reach providers based here or anywhere in the world.
Dates that matter
| Date | What applies |
|---|---|
| Online racing and sports betting limited to TAB NZ | |
| Online Casino Gambling Act in force; providers already serving New Zealand may continue | |
| Providers without a licence application must stop; applicants continue without advertising | |
| Early 2027 | Licences expected from DIA, with a public register and a registration icon |
Questions
Does the 2026 law change what a player may do?
DIA's guidance for the 2026 Act is written for providers: it sets out what they must do and what they may not do. DIA's player page describes the change as one of protection, because licensed casinos must meet safety standards.
Which casinos will be legal after the December date?
Only those among the up to 15 auction winners that applied. DIA names eleven entities, and the register will list approved brands once licences are granted.