New Zealand Online Casino Licence Race Moves to Auction Stage

New Zealand’s regulated online casino market is moving a step closer, with the licensing process entering its auction stage in September.

The expression of interest period has closed and applications have been assessed, leaving successful participants to compete for the right to apply for one of up to 15 licences.

Winning at auction will not guarantee a licence. Successful bidders must still complete the full application process and satisfy New Zealand regulators that they are suitable to operate.

Online Casino Licence Auction Takes Place in September

New Zealand is using an ascending clock auction. Eligible operators are offered the same price during each round, with the amount increasing as the auction progresses. Operators can remain in the auction or withdraw as the price rises.

The process continues until demand falls in line with the number of available licences.

Importantly, winning at auction only gives an operator the right to submit a full licence application.

Successful Bidders Face Further Checks

Full licence applications can be submitted from October.

Applicants will need to provide detailed information about their businesses and demonstrate how they intend to meet New Zealand requirements covering consumer protection, advertising, harm prevention and regulatory compliance.

The DIA will then determine whether each applicant is suitable to operate in the country.

Initial licences can run for up to three years, with the possibility of renewal for a further five years. Each licence covers one online casino brand, and an operator can initially hold no more than three licences.

Competition for Just 15 Licences

Competition could be strong because only 15 licences will be available.

Operators were also required to demonstrate access to at least NZ$7.5 million in capital during the expression of interest process.

Key Dates for New Zealand’s Online Casino Licensing 

December Deadline for Offshore Casinos

Another important date is 1 December 2026.

Online casino operators that have not applied for a New Zealand licence must stop providing online casino gambling to customers in the country from that date.

Operators with applications still under consideration can continue operating under transitional arrangements, although they will not be allowed to advertise while awaiting a decision.

The first licences are expected to be issued from early 2027. Players will then be able to use a public register to check whether an online casino is licensed in New Zealand.

New Zealand Casino Market Enters Crucial Stage

The September auction marks one of the most important stages so far in New Zealand’s move towards regulating online casinos.

Passing the expression of interest stage is only the first hurdle. Operators must now compete for the right to apply and then pass the full regulatory assessment.

With the auction scheduled for September, applications opening in October and the 1 December deadline approaching, the next few months should reveal which operators have a realistic chance of remaining in New Zealand once the new licensing system is fully operational.