New Zealand Opens iGaming Licence Race
Wellington has formally initiated the procurement process for its regulated online gambling market by inviting Expressions of Interest from operators seeking one of 15 available casino licences.
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) opened the Expression of Interest window on 16 July, setting a deadline of 14 August 2026 and a non-refundable fee of NZ$19,000 (~$11,100) for applicants. The government is clearly prioritising major international players. Prospective licensees must demonstrate at least NZ$7.5 million (~$4,4 million) in capital and undergo exhaustive probity checks, including disclosing of management structures and owners, and providing platform specifications.
Entain has already confirmed its intention to bid for the maximum allocation. Leveraging its exclusive agreement with TAB New Zealand, the betting giant is uniquely positioned to cross-sell sports betting and online casino products.
The DIA's vetting process demands global criminal record checks, credit histories, certified identification and full disclosure of past regulatory breaches, insolvency events and adverse advertising rulings from around the world.
In September, a competitive auction will commence with formal applications due in October. Final licences are expected in early 2027, ahead of the market's operational launch.
Although some operators called for acceleration, the 2027 timeline reflects a deliberate, protection-first strategy. The Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 prioritises minimising harm over generation revenue quickly.
Jarrod True, Director at True Legal,
‘The most significant shift is the move from an unregulated offshore market to a tightly controlled, licence-limited regime. The delay appears intentional — prioritising an orderly transition and robust infrastructure over speed to market.’
