New Zealand Moves Closer to Online Casino Licensing as Expressions of Interest Open

New Zealand's online casino reforms are entering one of their most important stages as the government prepares to begin the licensing process for operators wanting to enter the country's newly regulated market.

While much of the attention over the past year has focused on the passage of the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, the focus is now shifting to what happens next. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is preparing to open Expressions of Interest (EOIs), marking the first step for operators hoping to secure one of the limited licences that will allow them to legally serve New Zealand players.

The Licensing Process Begins

With the legislation now in force, regulators are turning their attention to building the framework that will support the country's first regulated online casino industry.

The government has confirmed that a maximum of  15 licences will be made available during the initial rollout of the market. Rather than granting licences automatically, the DIA will run a competitive process designed to assess which operators meet New Zealand's regulatory requirements.

Expressions of Interest are expected to open during July 2026 and will give operators an opportunity to formally signal their intention to participate in the licensing process.

While submitting an EOI does not guarantee a licence, it represents the first major step towards entering the regulated market.

Why Only 15 Licences?

The government has opted for a limited licensing model to help regulators closely monitor operators during the early years of regulation.

By restricting the number of licences available, the DIA can focus on ensuring that successful applicants meet standards relating to player protection, responsible gambling, anti-money laundering controls and financial stability.

The cap is also expected to create strong competition among operators. Many of the major international casino brands already serving New Zealand players are expected to apply, while others may see the country as an attractive new market opportunity.

As a result, some operators currently accepting New Zealand customers may ultimately fail to secure a licence.

What Will It Mean for Players?

For most players, there will be little immediate change while the licensing process takes place.

New Zealanders can currently access a wide range of offshore casino websites, and those sites will continue operating while regulators complete the application and approval process.

The bigger changes are expected to arrive when the regulated market launches in December 2026.

From that point, only licensed operators will be permitted to legally offer online casino gambling services to New Zealand residents. Licensed operators will also be required to comply with rules covering age verification, player safety tools, responsible gambling measures and advertising restrictions.

The government believes these requirements will provide greater protections for players while creating a more transparent online gambling environment.

A Major Milestone for the Industry

The opening of Expressions of Interest marks a significant milestone in New Zealand's gambling reforms.

The passage of the Online Casino Gambling Act established the legal framework, but the licensing process will determine which operators become part of the country's regulated future.

For operators, the coming months represent an opportunity to secure a place in a potentially valuable new market. For players, it is the first indication of which casino brands may be available when New Zealand's regulated online casino industry officially launches later this year.