--- title: "New Zealand gambling licensing, cost and supervision | advennt.io" canonical: https://advennt.io/jurisdictions/new-zealand/ source_html: /jurisdictions/nz/index.html description: "New Zealand gambling regulation by game: 4 open · 1 restricted · 12 closed · 2 uncertain · 1 not yet assessed." generated_at: 2026-10-26T22:03:01Z content_sha256: 35ff19b16486456f808234598b2ec41da2df9bad2e84cf03951bc0f3e41e6e8a generator: "fe-fleet/md-twin@1.0" --- # New Zealand gambling licensing, cost and supervision | advennt.io [Jurisdictions](/jurisdictions/) › New Zealand # New Zealand National jurisdiction Enter only via the forthcoming online casino auction; betting and lottery are closed monopolies. [4 open · 1 restricted · 12 closed · 2 uncertain · 1 not yet assessed → 20 classes](#products) Collected 25 Oct 2026 · Published 25 Oct 2026 · Changed 25 Oct 2026 [PDF](report.pdf) [Sign in for PDF](https://advennt.io/auth/) [Compare](/compare/?j=new-zealand) ## Can we offer our product? Every product class, in fixed taxonomy order. The band is what you can do; where the recorded legal status says something the band does not, it is shown beside the product. ### Player products - CasinoRRestricted - Poker–Not yet assessed - BingoProhibited · ContestedXClosed - LotteryState monopolyXClosed - Sports bettingState monopoly · Models agreeXClosed - Other event bettingProhibited · Models agreeXClosed - Horse and greyhound racing bettingState monopoly · Models agreeXClosed - Esports bettingState monopoly · Models agreeXClosed - Exchange bettingState monopoly · Models agreeXClosedVaries by form · 1Exchange betting on events other than races or sporting events: prohibited - Pool bettingState monopoly · Models agreeXClosedVaries by form · 1Pool betting on events other than races or sporting events (e.g. non-sporting jackpot pools): prohibited - Virtual event bettingProhibited · Models agreeXClosed - Fantasy sportsGrey zone?Uncertain - Skill gamesProhibited · ContestedXClosedVaries by form · 1Pure skill: outside_perimeter - Prediction marketsProhibited · Models agreeXClosed - SweepstakesOutside the regulatory perimeter · Models agreeOOpenVaries by form · 1Paid sweepstakes not meeting sales promotion test: prohibited - Free playOutside the regulatory perimeter · Models agreeOOpen ### Supply roles - Software / B2BNot yet regulated?Uncertain - Affiliate marketingContestedOOpenVaries by form · 1Affiliate marketing for offshore or unlicensed operator: prohibited - Payments for gamblingContestedOOpen ### Settlement rail - Crypto gamblingProhibited (not actively enforced)XClosed Class-level certainty is graded for 14 of 20 classes. ## Board briefing New Zealand is opening a capped, auction-allocated online casino market while reinforcing betting and lottery monopolies and intensifying offshore-advertising enforcement. #### What has changed - The Online Casino Gambling Bill (introduced 30 June 2025) creates up to 15 DIA-licensed online casino operators via EOI/auction, expected live ~Q1 2027; the Racing Industry Act was amended on 27 June 2025 to ban offshore bookmakers, and DIA finalised a NZ$4.16m AML penalty plus five-day closure against SkyCity. #### What to do now - Decide whether to compete in the EOI/auction (expected March/April 2026), build an NZ-grade AML/CFT and host-responsibility programme, and cease any NZ-targeted advertising until licensed. #### What to watch - Publication of technical standards, fee/levy schedule and the EOI/auction timetable; enforcement against offshore promoters and platforms; the unlicensed-operator exit deadline. ## 11 answers, each dated and graded The weather grades favourability for an operator, not legality: legality is the product table above. The left rule is our confidence: solid confirmed, dashed probable, dotted uncertain. 01 · What kind of market is this? ### Overview Mixed New Zealand's online casino gambling regime passed its most significant milestone to date this period: the Department of Internal Affairs concluded a 10-round ascending-clock auction on 13 October 2026 in which 11 of 32 bidders secured the right to apply for up to 15 online casino gambling licences … Full analysis · 136 words New Zealand's online casino gambling regime passed its most significant milestone to date this period: the Department of Internal Affairs concluded a 10-round ascending-clock auction on 13 October 2026 in which 11 of 32 bidders secured the right to apply for up to 15 online casino gambling licences at NZ$15,000,000 each. Reported successful bidders include SkyCity NZ Online, Stake New Zealand and Baytree Interactive. The market now sits between licensing stages: the application window is open, but no licence has yet been issued and no product has launched. In parallel, the Department of Internal Affairs became New Zealand's sole AML/CFT supervisor from 1 July 2026, and a substantial AML/CFT reform Bill, the most significant since the Act's 2009 origin, was introduced to Parliament on 1 September 2026, though its passage is deferred to the next Government. - Hard cap of 15 online casino licences allocated by auction - TAB NZ and Lotto NZ statutory monopolies exclude sports betting and lotteries - Offshore advertising prohibition under s.16 and forthcoming penalties up to NZ$5m Probable AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/new-zealand/overview/) 02 · Can we get a licence? ### Licensing and regulation Mixed The Department of Internal Affairs confirmed on 13 October 2026 that 11 of 32 participants in a 10-round ascending-clock auction secured the right to apply for up to 15 online casino gambling licences under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, with the auction clearing at NZ$15,000,000 per licence. … Full analysis · 151 words The Department of Internal Affairs confirmed on 13 October 2026 that 11 of 32 participants in a 10-round ascending-clock auction secured the right to apply for up to 15 online casino gambling licences under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, with the auction clearing at NZ$15,000,000 per licence. Successful bidders now move to the full licence application stage, which requires a business plan and four statutory strategies. A structural anti-concentration condition in the Act caps any person or entity with 20 percent or more ownership or voting influence at significant influence over no more than three of the 15 licences, preventing a single capitalised entity from consolidating the new market. The licensing process ran across three stages: an expression-of-interest round that closed 14 August 2026, the auction concluding 13 October 2026, and the current application stage. No licence has yet been issued and no product has launched under the new regime. Probable AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/new-zealand/licensing/) 03 · How hard is entry, really? ### Market entry in practice Mixed B2C online casino entry is available only via the forthcoming capped 15-licence auction, expected to open EOI in March/April 2026 with operations around Q1 2027; this is a tender-only, high-competition route. Land-based casino entry is effectively closed (six existing licences). Local presence is li… Full analysis · 57 words B2C online casino entry is available only via the forthcoming capped 15-licence auction, expected to open EOI in March/April 2026 with operations around Q1 2027; this is a tender-only, high-competition route. Land-based casino entry is effectively closed (six existing licences). Local presence is light-to-moderate; applicants must submit detailed business plans, ownership, compliance history and financial viability evidence. Probable AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/new-zealand/market-entry/) 04 · What do the licences cost? ### Licence fees Mixed Land-based casino operating licences involve annual fees rather than a GGR tax. The Online Casino Gambling Act 2025 is expected to introduce operator fees/levies and (per DIA decision) will NOT require online casino licensees to make community returns; precise application and annual fee bands have n… Full analysis · 71 words Land-based casino operating licences involve annual fees rather than a GGR tax. The Online Casino Gambling Act 2025 is expected to introduce operator fees/levies and (per DIA decision) will NOT require online casino licensees to make community returns; precise application and annual fee bands have not yet been published. The licence will be allocated by competitive auction, so the effective entry price is set by bidding rather than a fixed schedule. Uncertain AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/new-zealand/fees/) 05 · What is the tax take? ### Tax Mixed There is no specific gambling GGR tax on licensed casinos historically; corporate income tax is 28% and GST of 15% applies to gambling supplies via the margin method (turnover minus prizes paid). Offshore online operators currently pay no NZ domestic tax. The online casino regime is expected to intr… Full analysis · 68 words There is no specific gambling GGR tax on licensed casinos historically; corporate income tax is 28% and GST of 15% applies to gambling supplies via the margin method (turnover minus prizes paid). Offshore online operators currently pay no NZ domestic tax. The online casino regime is expected to introduce a fee/levy on licensed operators to recover revenue otherwise lost offshore; the precise tax basis is not yet published. Probable AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/new-zealand/taxes/) 06 · Can we move player money? ### Payments and banking Mixed For land-based licensees, standard NZ banking and card rails apply. Offshore online operators serving NZ players rely on cards and e-wallets with elevated PSP risk given the s.16 prohibition on promoting offshore gambling and the AML/CFT focus on remitters (e.g. the NZ$1.125m Qian DuoDuo penalty). T… Full analysis · 64 words For land-based licensees, standard NZ banking and card rails apply. Offshore online operators serving NZ players rely on cards and e-wallets with elevated PSP risk given the s.16 prohibition on promoting offshore gambling and the AML/CFT focus on remitters (e.g. the NZ$1.125m Qian DuoDuo penalty). The forthcoming licensed online regime will impose AML/CFT obligations on domestic operators, aligning payment-flow scrutiny with the casino standard. Probable AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/new-zealand/payments/) 07 · Can we advertise? ### Marketing Unfavourable Under s.16 of the Gambling Act 2003, promoting offshore gambling operators is illegal, with fines up to NZ$10,000 per offence. DIA has issued a NZ$5,000 fine to a prominent influencer, warned several others, and is investigating around 30 further cases, while working with platforms to remove or geo-… Full analysis · 99 words Under s.16 of the Gambling Act 2003, promoting offshore gambling operators is illegal, with fines up to NZ$10,000 per offence. DIA has issued a NZ$5,000 fine to a prominent influencer, warned several others, and is investigating around 30 further cases, while working with platforms to remove or geo-block unlawful gambling advertising targeting New Zealanders. The forthcoming online regime would let DIA seek court-ordered fines up to NZ$5m against social-media companies breaching the advertising prohibition. Per secondary reporting, offshore casinos cannot advertise into NZ from 1 May 2026; sponsorship is prohibited and licensed-operator adverts must carry R18 and helpline messaging. Probable AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/new-zealand/marketing/) 08 · What must the platform meet? ### Technical compliance Mixed Licensed online casino operators in New Zealand are required to design games and user interfaces to prevent extended or continuous impulse play, including a prohibition on autoplay features, an obligation reported in force under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026. Separately, the Department of Inte… Full analysis · 146 words Licensed online casino operators in New Zealand are required to design games and user interfaces to prevent extended or continuous impulse play, including a prohibition on autoplay features, an obligation reported in force under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026. Separately, the Department of Internal Affairs has circulated a discussion draft of the Online Casino Gambling Technology minimum standards, which would accept game and RNG certification to UK Gambling Commission or Ontario standards at launch, building on minimum technology standards already in force since 8 July 2026. That testing-standards framework remains at discussion-draft stage, with the approval-scheme administrator, applicable fee and implementation deadline not yet confirmed. Together, the two strands - a binding game-design rule already operative and a prospective third-party certification equivalence still under consultation - define the technical compliance picture a licensed operator must plan against ahead of the 1 December 2026 application deadline. Uncertain AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/new-zealand/technical/) 09 · Can we ship through apps and platforms? ### Distribution and platforms Unfavourable Initial Cabinet regulatory decisions made under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 prohibit affiliate marketing for online casino gambling. This is a new restriction introduced alongside the Act's broader licensing framework, and it directly affects a distribution channel that has historically been… Full analysis · 96 words Initial Cabinet regulatory decisions made under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 prohibit affiliate marketing for online casino gambling. This is a new restriction introduced alongside the Act's broader licensing framework, and it directly affects a distribution channel that has historically been significant for operators, particularly offshore operators, seeking to reach New Zealand-based players. Combined with the advertising-prohibition enforcement mechanism already active from 1 May 2026, the affiliate-marketing prohibition narrows the practical channels available to promote online casino gambling in New Zealand ahead of the December 2026 market launch, whether an operator is licensed or not. Probable AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/new-zealand/distribution/) 10 · How hard does the regulator enforce? ### Enforcement Mixed The Department of Internal Affairs renewed its prohibition on advertising unlicensed online casino gambling with effect from 1 May 2026, carrying take-down powers and penalties of up to NZD 5,000,000 for a body corporate and NZD 300,000 for an individual. This enforcement mechanism is active now, op… Full analysis · 160 words The Department of Internal Affairs renewed its prohibition on advertising unlicensed online casino gambling with effect from 1 May 2026, carrying take-down powers and penalties of up to NZD 5,000,000 for a body corporate and NZD 300,000 for an individual. This enforcement mechanism is active now, operating through the transitional period between the Act's commencement and the scheduled 1 December 2026 market launch, while full prohibition on unlicensed operation itself is scheduled to take effect from 1 June 2027. The extraterritorial licensing requirement under the Act means an offshore operator that continues to enable New Zealand-based players to gamble without securing one of the fifteen available licences is exposed to this advertising-prohibition regime now, and to the fuller unlicensed-operation prohibition once it takes effect. The newly introduced prohibition on affiliate marketing for online casino gambling further narrows the distribution channels available to any operator not yet licensed, closing off a route historically used to reach New Zealand-based players from offshore. Confirmed AI-generated 5 enforcement events [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/new-zealand/enforcement/) 11 · What is coming? ### Outlook Mixed The market is mid-transition. The Online Casino Gambling Bill (introduced 30 June 2025) creates a capped 15-licence regulated online casino regime via EOI/auction, expected operational around Q1 2027, contrasting with Australia's prohibitionist stance. Direction is mixed: liberalising for online cas… Full analysis · 75 words The market is mid-transition. The Online Casino Gambling Bill (introduced 30 June 2025) creates a capped 15-licence regulated online casino regime via EOI/auction, expected operational around Q1 2027, contrasting with Australia's prohibitionist stance. Direction is mixed: liberalising for online casino B2C while tightening offshore advertising (s.16 enforcement, prospective NZ$5m platform fines) and reinforcing TAB NZ and Lotto NZ monopolies. Existing offshore operators may continue during application review but must cease advertising and exit if unlicensed. Probable AI-generated [Read full analysis & tables →](/jurisdictions/new-zealand/outlook/) Evidential record & source register 0 enforcement · 26 red flags · 12 sources · Expand full record ## What gets operators fined 26 red flags (10 high, 11 medium, 3 low) and 0 controls that address them. - highOperating online casino targeting NZ without a forthcoming licenceRemote interactive gambling supply is prohibited under the Gambling Act 2003.Source 1 · T1 - highPromoting offshore gambling to NZ residentss.16 offence; fines up to NZ$10,000 per offence and prospective NZ$5m platform fines.Source 4 · T1 - highOffering racing/sports betting to NZ residentsTAB NZ monopoly; offshore bookmakers banned since 27 June 2025.Source 2 · T1 - highOffering lottery-like products competing with Lotto NZLicences will not be granted for products substantially similar to protected lotteries.Source 4 · T1 - highMoney remittance without prescribed transaction reportingDIA fined Qian DuoDuo NZ$1.125m for reporting failures.Source 6 · T1 - highAdvertising before licence grant during application reviewOperators under review must cease all advertising until licensed.Source 7 · T3 - highFailure to exit if unlicensed by the deadlineUnlicensed operators must exit the NZ market by as early as 1 July 2026.Source 7 · T3 - highServing under-18s online or under-20s at casinosAge thresholds apply (18+ online, 20+ casinos).Source 7 · T3 - highMis-timing market entry around auction windowEOI expected March/April 2026; missing the window forecloses entry.Source 7 · T3 - highCross-border AML exposure (AUSTRAC parallel)SkyCity faced parallel AU$67m AUSTRAC penalty.Source 11 · T3 - mediumAssuming incumbency guarantees an online licenceEven SkyCity must compete in the auction; no automatic grant.Source 10 · T3 - mediumInfluencer promotion of offshore casinosDIA fined an influencer NZ$5,000 with ~30 cases under investigation.Source 4 · T1 - mediumIgnoring GST margin-method treatment of gambling suppliesGST 15% applies via turnover-minus-prizes; mis-modelling distorts P&L.Source 10 · T3 - mediumIgnoring DIA enforceable undertakings/warningsDIA escalates from warnings to High Court penalties.Source 6 · T1 - mediumListing real-money casino apps for NZ usersApp-store distribution restricted pending licensing.Source 4 · T1 - mediumSponsorship arrangements with NZ entitiesSponsorship is prohibited.Source 4 · T1 - mediumCrypto deposit channels for NZ playersCrypto gambling sits in a prohibited/unenforced grey zone with AML exposure.Source 1 · T1 - mediumNon-transferable licence assumptions in M&AOnline licences will be non-transferable.Source 7 · T3 - mediumCasino continuous-play monitoring gapsDIA raised continuous-play concerns in the SkyCity review.Source 8 · T3 - mediumUnderestimating EOI vetting depthApplicants must evidence ownership, compliance history, capital and platform detail.Source 7 · T3 - mediumAssuming offshore structure avoids all NZ exposurePromotion and platform liability reach offshore-targeted advertising.Source 4 · T1 - lowAssuming current online technical standards are finalStandards are not yet published; requirements are forthcoming.Source 9 · T3 - lowTreating community returns as required for onlineOnline casino licensees are not required to make community returns.Source 4 · T1 - lowReliance on building depreciation deductionsNZ removed commercial-building depreciation, materially hitting SkyCity's tax base.Source 11 · T3 - criticalAML/CFT programme deficiencies for casino operatorsDIA secured a NZ$4.16m penalty and casino closure against SkyCity.Source 5 · T1 - criticalInadequate enhanced due diligence on international customersCore failing in the SkyCity case.Source 5 · T1 ## Worked scenarios 5 entry scenarios, each with the move we would make. #### MGA-licensed online casino wants to serve NZ players post-reform Must win an EOI/auction slot among 15 licences and cease NZ advertising until licensed; otherwise must exit by ~1 July 2026. Do this: Prepare EOI submission now; pause NZ marketing. Source 7 · T3 #### B2B game supplier seeking NZ market No current B2B licence pathway; supply only to licensed operators once the regime opens. Do this: Track lifecycle; align certifications with forthcoming standards. Source 9 · T3 #### Affiliate promoting offshore casinos to Kiwis s.16 offence; DIA actively fines and warns promoters. Do this: Cease NZ-targeted promotion. Source 4 · T1 #### Land-based casino AML programme review SkyCity precedent shows severe penalties for EDD/monitoring gaps. Do this: Remediate EDD on international customers; document risk assessment. Source 5 · T1 #### Offshore sportsbook eyeing NZ TAB NZ monopoly; offshore bets banned since 27 June 2025. Do this: No viable route; deprioritise NZ. Source 2 · T1 ## What we looked for and could not find Confirmed absence is a finding of its own. These are the questions we searched and could not answer from a citable source, with the searches we ran. Never behind the paywall. Market opportunity. DIA gambling statistics do not split out online or offshore online GGR, so no credible current point estimate of the NZ-facing online market exists. - searched: New Zealand offshore online gambling GGR estimate - searched: DIA online gambling expenditure statistics 2025 - searched: New Zealand online casino market size NZD - checked: dia.govt.nz Technical compliance. RNG/RTP testing standards, geolocation and hosting rules for the new online casino regime are not yet published by DIA. - searched: DIA online casino technical standards RNG testing - searched: New Zealand online gambling geolocation requirement - searched: Online Casino Gambling Act 2025 technical specifications - checked: dia.govt.nz ## Source register Every source on a four-step tier scale. A claim is never shown at a stronger tier than the source it cites. 12 sources · 6 tier 1 · 6 tier 3 No. Source Tier Verification 1 NZ-GAMBLING-ACT-2003 T1 of 4 Source 1 · Open in drawer → 2 NZ-RACING-INDUSTRY-ACT-2020 T1 of 4 Source 2 · Open in drawer → 3 NZ-DIA-GAMBLING-LEGISLATION T1 of 4 Source 3 · Open in drawer → 4 NZ-DIA-ONLINE-IMPLEMENTATION T1 of 4 Source 4 · Open in drawer → 5 NZ-DIA-SKYCITY-PENALTY-2024 T1 of 4 Source 5 · Open in drawer → 6 NZ-DIA-AMLCFT-NEWS T1 of 4 Source 6 · Open in drawer → 7 NZ-ONLINE-CASINO-BILL-2025 T3 of 4 Source 7 · Open in drawer → 8 NZ-IGB-SKYCITY-FINALISED T3 of 4 Source 8 · Open in drawer → 9 NZ-ICLG-GAMBLING-2026 T3 of 4 Source 9 · Open in drawer → 10 NZ-LEXOLOGY-REFORMS T3 of 4 Source 10 · Open in drawer → 11 NZ-IGB-SKYCITY-LOSS T3 of 4 Source 11 · Open in drawer → 12 NZ-AMLWATCHER-SKYCITY T3 of 4 Source 12 · Open in drawer → ### Claims with their own provenance DIA may issue up to 15 online casino gambling operator licences under the new Bill. NZ-CLM-001 · T2 of 4 · published 8 Dec 2025 · Confirmed Pipeline-sourced · From Advennt research · Rule detail not yet extracted Source 2 · T1 Source 9 · T3 Auckland High Court finalised a NZ$4.16m AML/CFT penalty against SkyCity plus a five-day closure. NZ-CLM-002 · T1 of 4 · published 26 Sep 2024 · Confirmed Pipeline-sourced · From Advennt research · Rule detail not yet extracted Source 5 · T1