Operators seeking entry to New Zealand's regulated online casino market must submit expressions of interest by 14 August. Only approved candidates will advance to the September auction for 15 licences.
The deadline marks the first practical stage of the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, which came into force on 1 May and introduced the country's first licensing system for online casinos. Operators from any jurisdiction may apply, provided they secure a licence.
The process runs in three stages: expression of interest, a multi-round auction, and full licence application. Up to 15 licences will be issued, each covering one brand and valid for three years with an option to extend for five. One operator may hold a maximum of three licences.
EOI submissions must disclose ownership structure, key personnel, proposed brands, regulatory history and financial standing. Applicants must have access to at least NZ$7.5 million in capital and pay a non-refundable fee of NZ$19,000 excluding GST. The Department of Internal Affairs will admit only complete applications that meet all requirements.
Any individual or entity holding 20% or more is classed as a key person and must provide regulatory, financial and criminal records. The Secretary for Internal Affairs must be satisfied that neither the applicant nor senior management has been convicted of fraud in the past seven years, and that admitting them will not harm the country's international reputation.
Successful candidates will enter the auction in September, with full licence applications opening in October. Operators excluded from the process must cease activity from 1 December 2026. Successful applicants may continue operating under exemption until a decision on their licences is made. The regulated market is expected to be fully operational in 2027.
Industry advisers caution that the EOI stage is not a formality. Incomplete or rejected submissions cannot be amended after the deadline.
