More than 50 sports companies in New Zealand oppose the Online Casino Gambling Bill, which could remove more than NZ$150 million from community sport funding.The...
New Zealand opens iGaming license interest for 2026 launch
New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is inviting gambling companies to register their interest in applying for a licence ahead of the country’s legal iGaming market launch in 2026.
Big international brands like 888, Betway, and Bet365 have already shown their interest in New Zealand. Now, the DIA calls for others. According to the leader of the iGaming programme, Trina Lowry, the early interest will help the government build a safe and fair gambling system.
Lowry stated:
“As we continue to design and implement the system, we want to ensure it is clear, efficient, and supportive for potential operators. To help us achieve this, we want to engage with operators to understand what information would be most helpful as the process unfolds and understand their experience and needs. Regulating this sector will help protect consumers, minimise gambling harm, and provide regulatory oversight of online casino gambling providers operating in New Zealand.”
iGaming in New Zealand
iGaming is already popular in New Zealand. However, the vast majority of operations take place in illegal sites. With the new law, if the operator meets the strict rules imposed by the country, it will get the appropriate license to debut operations. These rules will include protecting players from gambling-related harm, something that’s not required from overseas websites.
In early June, New Zealand invested $81 million to reduce gambling harm in the country. If the legal market is approved, licensed operators may also be allowed to advertise, helping players know which sites are safe and legal.
A new bill, introduced by New Zealand's Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden, aimed at regulating online gambling, has passed first reading in the country's...
