Online casinos currently operate in a legal gray area in New Zealand, where participating in offshore gambling is not explicitly illegal for residents, but domestic online casino operations are prohibited. Under the Gambling Act 2003, remote interactive gambling is banned, meaning New Zealand-based operators cannot legally offer online casino services (1). However, the law does not prohibit New Zealand residents from accessing overseas gambling websites, though the government warns about potential risks including fraud and limited legal protections when dealing with offshore operators.
The legal landscape for online casinos in New Zealand is undergoing significant transformation with the introduction of the Online Casino Gambling Bill in 2025. This landmark legislation aims to establish the country's first regulated online casino market by 2026, offering up to 15 licenses through a competitive auction process (2). The Department of Internal Affairs will oversee licensing, compliance, and enforcement, with licensed operators required to meet strict consumer protection standards and contribute to problem gambling support services.
"Currently, New Zealanders can and do gamble on thousands of offshore gambling websites. By introducing a regulatory system my intention is to channel customers towards up to 15 licensed operators."
The proposed regulatory framework represents a major shift from New Zealand's current prohibitionist approach to online gambling regulation. Licensed operators will be permitted to advertise their services within New Zealand, subject to regulatory restrictions, while unlicensed operators face fines of up to NZ$5 million for violations (2). The new legislation prioritizes harm minimization, consumer protection, and tax collection, with operators required to implement robust age verification systems and contribute 1.24% of profits to the Problem Gambling Levy. The bill is expected to pass through Parliament's select committee process in 2025, with public submissions invited before the regulated market launches in 2026 (1).
Source:
https://www.dia.govt.nz/Services-Casino-and-Non-Casino-Gaming-Prohibited-Gambling
https://igamingbusiness.com/gaming/gaming-regulation/new-zealand-15-online-casino-licences/
Last updated: 20-07-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
