The New Zealand government has announced that it will introduce regulatory legislation for online casino games, expected to officially take effect in early 2026. As part of the preparations, the government is now inviting operators interested in applying for online casino licenses to register their interest.
According to the plan, New Zealand will issue up to 15 online casino operating licenses through a competitive process. Applicants must meet a series of strict regulatory requirements to be eligible to compete for a license.
Trina Lowry, Director of the Online Gambling Implementation Plan in New Zealand, stated: "Online casino operators interested in entering the New Zealand market, please be sure to complete the interest registration on the official website www.dia.govt.nz/OGI. We are committed to designing a clear and efficient licensing application process and will continue to listen to the opinions and needs of operators to ensure their smooth participation."
This registration phase aims to strengthen communication between the government and potential license applicants, collect valuable feedback, and promote the improvement and implementation of the future online casino regulatory system.