Licensed market in transition (Online Casino Gambling Act 2026)
Sources & verification
Confirmed (dia.govt.nz, legislation.govt.nz): Act in force 1 May 2026; non-applicants must stop by 1 Dec 2026; full licensed system expected 2027. National exclusion scheme details Unconfirmed
Partly unverified
Regulator
Licence required
Yes (licences via auction; 11 winners)
Minimum age
18
Self-exclusion scheme
Required by the Act; national scheme details Unconfirmed
Offshore blocked
Unlicensed providers must stop from 1 Dec 2026
What to know before you play
The Online Casino Gambling Act came into force on 1 May 2026, with licence rights auctioned to 11 operators. From 1 December 2026, providers that haven’t applied must stop serving New Zealanders, and the full licensed system is expected in 2027.
Casinos licensed here
No locally licensed brands have been verified for this guide yet.
Need help with gambling?
Need help? Use your regulator’s self-exclusion and support tools or free, confidential worldwide support at Gambling Therapy.
Not legal advice. Check local laws.