New Zealand

New Zealand has taken another step towards launching its regulated online casino market, with the Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS) now open for operators preparing to enter the upcoming licensing process.

New Zealand's online casino market has entered a new phase as the government begins preparations for the country's first licensing process. Operators interested in securing one of the 15 available licences are expected to submit Expressions of Interest before the regulated market launches later this year.

New Zealand's Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 does more than create a licensing framework. It sets out detailed requirements for how licensed casinos must treat players, covering everything from deposit limits and mandatory play breaks to credit card bans and self-exclusion tools. With the licensing process opening in July 2026, here is what Kiwi players can expect the new rules to actually look like in practice

New Zealand's upcoming regulated online casino market will prohibit licensed operators from using affiliate marketing. While the policy aims to reduce gambling advertising, some industry observers believe it could unintentionally make it harder for players to identify licensed casinos.

New Zealand's new online casino market is edging closer to reality, with operators preparing to compete for one of only 15 available licences as the licensing process begins next month.

A Lotto player from Ashburton has become New Zealand's latest multi-millionaire after claiming a NZ$28.6 million Powerball prize, the largest jackpot won so far in 2026.

Reports of casino payment blocks by major New Zealand banks are prompting players to look at alternative funding methods for online gambling accounts.

New Zealand’s upcoming online casino framework includes a ban on affiliate marketing, creating uncertainty around how operators will attract players in the regulated market.

New Zealand’s online gambling reforms are moving from legislation into implementation as regulators prepare for licensing, enforcement, and market transition.

New figures suggest New Zealand’s offshore online gambling market had already grown into a billion-dollar sector before the country’s new licensing regime arrived.