New Zealand is Getting Ready to Open Its Online Gambling Market

The government is actively working towards establishing an effective and transparent legal model for the online entertainment segment. The new set of rules is planned to be officially presented and enforced in early 2026.

Highlights of the Unfolding Initiative

Trina Lowry from the DIA leads theOnline Gambling Implementation Programme. Currently, her primary objective is to involve future operators so that their experiences and expectations can be considered during the finalisation of the regulation.

Industry representatives can formally register their interest through the Department’s official portal. This constitutes the initial and most essential step for brands aspiring to launch in the new legal market.

Ms Lowry’s team is dedicated to establishing a straightforward and effective supervision system. To this end, they need to interact with future market participants and understand what informational specifics and structure will be most helpful to them.

The government introduced the 1st proposal to legalise online gambling in July 2024.

The initiative included the following provisions:

• the issuance of up to 15 licences via a competitive process;
• a strong commitment to responsible and safe gambling practices;
• mandatory operator compliance with regulatory standards and user protection requirements.

Market’s Current State

Presently, iGaming is banned in the country. However, local gambling enthusiasts still frequently access offshore digital platforms for these services.

According to the DIA, the legalisation of the segment will:

• enhance player protection;
• reduce risks associated with real-money gaming;
• ensure oversight of operations and eliminate the impact of dishonest entrepreneurs.

Several prominent international firms have expressed interest in entering the emerging market:

• 888;
• Bet365;
• Betway.

Vicki Scott, the DIA’s Gambling Regulatory System Director, highlighted that the department is in charge of both designing and implementing the supervision framework. She anticipates the legislation will be officially enacted in early 2026.

As outlined in the draft, only up to 15 certified brands will be allowed to operate within the state. Applications will undergo a comprehensive, transparent, and competitive review process. The authority is prepared to start overseeing the digital sector immediately once the law is enacted.

Consumer Protection and Financial Measures

The DIA’s initiative is a component of a wider plan to minimise gambling harm, with the government allocating NZ$81 million (around US$48 million) for this purpose. Matt Doocey, the state’s Minister for Mental Health, stated that these funds will be utilised to create and endorse programmes dedicated to preventing and treating ludomania.

Problem Gambling Levy Regulations have been revised to finance this niche and apply to:

• TAB;
• Lotto NZ;
• halls with slots;
• land-based casinos;
• licensed iGaming brands.

Ms Lowry stated that appropriate control would substantially aid in restricting the opportunities for criminal activity. Unfortunately, it currently remains unfeasible due to the widespread presence of unlicensed offshore platforms. She stressed that establishing a transparent and lawful market is the most effective strategy to safeguard citizens, mitigate gambling-associated risks, and considerably diminish the occurrence of fraud.

Casino Advertising

The present regulation, enacted in 2023, rigorously bans promoting industry products and services online. However, if the DIA’s initiative is approved in its current form, licensed brands will be able to legally advertise their platforms. This step will assist players in easily identifying official offers from untrustworthy ones.

The Department’s members are dedicated to maintaining maximum transparency throughout all phases of implementing the new regulatory programme.