New Zealand

New Zealand's largest-ever gambling grant fraud prosecution has taken another step through the courts, with the defendants returning to Auckland District Court as the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) continues its landmark investigation into the alleged misuse of Class 4 pokie grants.

SkyCity Auckland is preparing to give away NZ$80,000 through its new Triple Score promotion. Three rewards members will be selected every Wednesday night, with each participant guaranteed a cash prize of up to NZ$5,000.

Christchurch residents are being asked to weigh in on the future of pokie venues across the city as the Christchurch City Council reviews its Gambling and TAB Venues Policy for the first time in years. The consultation could help shape how gaming machines in pubs and clubs are managed for years to come.

SkyCity customers will now need to register for a player card before they can gamble at any of the company's New Zealand casinos. The move is designed to strengthen responsible gambling measures while giving players greater insight into their own gambling habits.

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.