New Zealand has legislated its first licensed online-casino regime. The Online Casino Gambling Act 2025 commenced on 1 May 2026 and lets the Department of Internal Affairs auction up to 15 licences, with the market expected to be fully operational by 2027. Online sports and racing betting remains a TAB NZ monopoly. Licensed online casino carries a 12% duty rising to 16% in 2027, plus a licensing levy, GST and a problem-gambling levy.
Online casino duty scheduled to rise from 12% to 16% of gross gaming revenue.
The auction for the 15 licences and the staged 2026 to 2027 rollout are the immediate story, along with how sharply the regime pulls players back from offshore sites. The scheduled duty rise to 16% and the problem-gambling levy shape operator economics from the outset.
After years of regulatory grey area, New Zealand has passed legislation that will bring offshore online casino operators to heel and create one of the Asia-Pacific region's most anticipated new regulated markets.
The New Zealand government has confirmed a ban on credit card deposits for its forthcoming regulated online casino market, a major concession aimed at securing parliamentary support for the Online Casino Bill.
New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs
New Zealand Legislation
Simpson Grierson
