The New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has issued a formal call for online gambling operators interested in securing a license in the country’s new regulated iGaming market to register their interest. This proactive engagement is part of the government’s strategy to ensure a safe, fair, and well-controlled online gambling environment ahead of the market’s anticipated launch in 2026.

Several leading international brands have already publicly expressed keen interest in operating in New Zealand once the market opens, including 888, Betway, and Bet365, indicating strong appetite from established operators.

Trina Lowry, the Online Gambling Implementation Programme Director for the DIA, stated that engaging with operators at this early stage will help the government ensure the new system is “clear, efficient and supportive for potential operators.” She added that the DIA aims to “engage with operators to understand what information would be most helpful as the process unfolds and understand their experience and needs.”

Commitment to Player Protection and Market Integrity

Online gambling is not a new concept for consumers in New Zealand, with thousands reportedly engaging with offshore, unlicensed operators. However, the country is determined to address this by launching a legal, regulated market. Licenses will be issued through a competitive process, requiring operators to meet a comprehensive set of regulatory requirements. A key focus for this new framework is the implementation of robust protection measures to help prevent gambling-related harm among players. Lowry highlighted that such consumer safeguards are not typically required from offshore operators, meaning consumers who continue to use these unregulated websites could be putting themselves at risk of harm. She emphasised that “Regulating this sector will help protect consumers, minimise gambling harm and provide regulatory oversight of online casino gambling providers operating in New Zealand.”

Reinforcing this commitment to player safety, Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey announced earlier in June an increased investment of NZ$81 million (approximately US$48 million) to support an updated national strategy for minimising gambling harm. Services under this strategy will be funded through the new Problem Gambling Levy Regulations, which apply from July 1, 2025, and are paid for by non-casino gaming machine operators, casinos, TAB, and lottery monopoly Lotto NZ. Online operators, once licensed, are also expected to contribute to this strategy.

Potential Relaxation of Advertising Rules

Under current legislation, the Gambling Act 2003 strictly prohibits the advertising or promotion of online gambling in any form in New Zealand. However, should the legal iGaming market open as expected in 2026, proposed legislation aims to make it legal for licensed operators to advertise online casino gambling. Supporters of this change argue that allowing licensed operators to advertise would be crucial in helping players distinguish between legitimate, regulated offerings and illegal, offshore operators, thereby supporting channelisation to the safer legal market.

The DIA’s call for expressions of interest marks a crucial step in shaping New Zealand’s future iGaming landscape, signalling the country’s intent to establish a robust, regulated market focused on consumer protection and industry integrity.