Online casinos in New Zealand: what the new licensing law means for you
From 2027, New Zealanders are expected to be able to play at locally licensed online casinos with built-in limits, breaks and self-exclusion. Here is where things stand today, in plain English.
none yetLICENCES AVAILABLE15one brand per licenceMinimum age
18+
Key facts at a glance
| The law | Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 — Royal assent 28 April 2026, mostly in force from 1 May 2026 |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) |
| Licences | Up to 15, one brand each, up to 3 years (renewable for up to 5 more) |
| Licence auction | 29 September – 12 October 2026; 11 companies won the right to apply |
| Licences granted | None yet (as of 14 October 2026). DIA expects the licensed regime to be running in 2027 |
| Minimum age | 18 — licensed sites must verify your age and identity |
| Deadline for unlicensed sites | 1 December 2026 for operators that have not applied for a licence |
Sources: the Act, DIA's provider page and DIA's player page. Full details in our Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 guide.
Why we don't list or rank casinos
Comparison sites in other countries rank casinos and earn a commission for every sign-up. That model does not work legally in New Zealand. The Act makes it an offence to publish an advertisement for an unlicensed online casino to people in New Zealand, with fines of up to $300,000 for an individual and $5 million for a company, and the regulations ban licensed operators from using "affiliate arrangements", where a publisher is paid when a referred player signs up, deposits or plays.
No casino holds a New Zealand licence yet, so any site promoting "the best NZ online casinos" today is promoting offshore operators. We publish guides and tools instead, and take no money from gambling operators. See DIA's guidance for advertisers.
How to tell whether a casino is licensed
- Check DIA's registerLicensed brands will be published on a DIA public register once each licence is granted.
- Look for the DIA iconAdvertising for a licensed casino must carry DIA's registration icon.
- Expect age and ID checksLicensed sites must verify that you are 18 or over before you play.
- No credit cardsLicensed sites cannot take credit cards or other credit as payment.
Until licences are granted, no online casino is licensed in New Zealand. DIA says it is not illegal to gamble on overseas websites, but your protections then depend on the country hosting the site (DIA).
Protections licensed casinos must give you
- Limits on time, deposits and spendingDaily, weekly or monthly. Raising or removing a limit only takes effect after 24 hours.
- Breaks, time-outs and reality checksA break of at least 5 minutes after 60 minutes of play, plus pop-up alerts.
- Self-exclusion you controlYou choose the period, it can be indefinite and it cannot be shortened.
- One pokie at a time, no autoplayDesigned to slow play down.
Source: Online Casino Gambling Regulations 2026, regulations 5, 6, 8 and 14.
Bonuses under the new rules
Licensed casinos can only advertise sign-up offers on their own platform. Bonuses are capped at $100 (or, if you must put in your own money, the lesser of $100 or 200% of your deposit). You must get at least 60 days to meet the terms, and the regulations say operators must let you withdraw winnings from a bonus without any requirement to use them for gambling (regulation 13).
Offshore sites often attach wagering requirements to bonuses. Our calculator shows what those really cost.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to play at offshore online casinos from New Zealand?
DIA says it is not illegal for someone in New Zealand to gamble on overseas websites, but New Zealand's protections do not apply and you rely on the rules of the country hosting the site. Overseas casinos must not advertise to New Zealanders.
When can I play at a licensed New Zealand online casino?
No licence had been granted as of 14 October 2026. Eleven companies won the right to apply in the October 2026 auction, and DIA expects the licensed regime to be fully running in 2027.
What is the minimum age?
18. Licensed operators must verify your identity and age, and from 1 December 2026 it is an offence to gamble on behalf of someone under 18.
Where can I get help?
Call the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 or text 8006, free and 24/7. More services, including Māori, Pasifika and Asian support, are on our safer gambling page.
If gambling stops being fun
Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655 or text 8006 — free, confidential, 24/7.