Online casino licensing in NZ: the timeline by date
| Date | Step | What it meant |
|---|---|---|
| Racing and sports betting rule | Only TAB NZ may offer online racing and sports betting | |
| Act in force | Providers already serving New Zealand may continue for now | |
| Regulations released | Rules for licensed operators on harm, consumer protection, advertising and fees | |
| Minimum Standards released | Technical and operational detail beside the Regulations | |
| Expression of interest | Entities invited to take part in the licensing process | |
| Auction | 11 entities won the right to apply | |
| Applications open | Winners invited to file full applications | |
| Operating restrictions | Providers without an application must stop; applicants continue without advertising | |
| 2027 | Licensed regime | DIA expects it to be fully operational, with licences issued from early 2027 |
What each date changes for a player
DIA says there are no changes for online casino customers before 1 December 2026. After that date the casinos available to New Zealand customers are the applicants and later the licensed operators, and DIA will publish a register so licences can be checked.
What happens to the providers that apply
An applicant may continue to operate under an exemption, without advertising, until DIA decides. If DIA declines an application, the provider has to stop all online casino gambling in New Zealand.
Sources
- DIA: information about licensing, page updated 10 November 2026
- DIA: online casino gambling overview
- DIA: information for players