The Online Casino Gambling Regulations 2026 ("Regulations") have now been released (see here) and will enter into force on 3 July 2026. The Regulations provide further detail on the new licencing regulatory regime for online casino gambling, as provided for under the recently enacted Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 ("Act").
Key content
The Regulations set out specific rules and obligations that will apply to online casino gambling operators who receive a licence under the new regime and will be permitted to offer their services in New Zealand.
The Regulations cover the following key areas:
- harm prevention and minimisation, including obligations to provide mandatory limits, player protection tools, and self‑exclusion processes, as well as requirements to identify and respond to problem gambling behaviour;
- consumer protection, including obligations relating to identity verification, acceptable payment methods, complaints processes, record‑keeping, and reporting;
- advertising and marketing, including restrictions on certain forms of advertising for online casino gambling (such as sponsorships and affiliate arrangements) and permitted forms and methods of publication; and
- fees, levies, and charges, including the prescription of a $19,000 NZD fee for an Expression of Interest ("EOI") for a licence.
Further DIA guidance
Over the next few weeks, the Department of Internal Affairs ("DIA") expects to release information covering the remaining aspects of the new regulatory framework, including finalising details of the EOI process, providing initial guidance on registration icon and audio mark requirements, and outlining minimum standards for online casino gambling technology.
Further guidance for prospective licence applicants addressing any uncertainties in the practical application of the Act and Regulations is expected in early July. This will include confirming practical requirements of the Regulations, such as around operator messaging and the collection of information regarding problem gamblers.
Auction process
The DIA has also released guidance on the auction process, which will be the second stage of the licencing process following the EOI stage (and preceding the final application stage). Those with accepted EOIs will be invited to participate in a multi-round ascending online auction that involves bidding across price points for the 15 available licences.
See the DIA's guidance on the auction here for more details.
Next steps
The EOI stage, the first of the three stages in the licencing process, is expected to open in the second half of July. Prospective applicants are encouraged to register now on the Government Electronic Tender Service (GETS) platform, through which EOIs must be lodged. The auction, expected to take place in September, will also be conducted via the GETS platform.
For more information, please get in touch with our experts below.