The country’s gambling industry is now looking for operators
New Zealand is taking formal steps to regulate its online casino industry with the introduction of the Online Casino Gambling Bill to Parliament on June 30. Spearheaded by Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden, the proposed legislation would end years of grey-market activity and bring the sector under official oversight.
The bill outlines a framework for issuing up to 15 licenses to online casino operators. Currently, New Zealanders can gamble online using offshore platforms, but these services operate outside local regulations, offering little consumer protection. The new system would create a licensing path, setting rules around harm reduction, accountability, and financial oversight.
Some major gambling firms have already signaled interest, including global names like 888, bet365, and Super Group—the parent company behind well-known brands such as JackpotCity and Ruby Fortune. According to industry reports, several operators are preparing their license applications.
Director of Gambling at the Department of Internal Affairs, Vicki Scott, emphasized the importance of player safety, warning that many current offshore casinos lack adequate safeguards.
Under the bill’s transition timeline, existing platforms can continue operating until the end of 2026 if they apply for a license by July 1 of that year. After December 31, 2026, unlicensed operators will be banned from offering services in the country.
The legislation is modeled on regulatory systems already in place in regions like the UK, Ontario, and certain US states. It introduces a three-step process for interested companies: expression of interest, a competitive selection round, and a formal application.
Van Velden says the bill will help ensure responsible gambling, improve consumer protection, and support public revenue through regulated taxation.
