Online gambling set to be regulated in New Zealand, DIA calls for casino applications

Kiwis could soon be able to legally place bets and play casino games at gambling sites, with the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs calling for expressions of interest in securing licensing in their newly regulated iGaming market. 

Already industry giants bet365, 888Sport and Betway (betway.com review), who all currently accept Kiwis, have expressed interest in securing licensing in the NZ gambling market, which is expected to launch in 2026. 

The NZ Government has been designing the licensing and framework for the regulated market since the initiative was announced in mid-2024, and now the DIA is asking for more expressions of interest from operators. 

“As we continue to design and implement the system, we want to ensure it is clear, efficient and supportive for potential operators,” Online Gambling Implementation Programme Director Trina Lowry  said. 

“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.”

New Zealand, along with Canada, has long been a grey market for sports betting and casino operators, which means offshore iGaming companies could accept Kiwis without a license there. 

But regulating the New Zealand gambling scene in totality should make it safer for the 10s of thousands of residents that gamble online, previously with offshore operators. 

“Regulating this sector will help protect consumers, minimise gambling harm and provide regulatory oversight of online casino gambling providers operating in New Zealand,” Lowry said.

The New Zealand Government announced in June it would be spending NZ$81million on decreasing gambling harm.