With the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 ("OCGA") coming into effect on 1 May 2026, the Department of Internal Affairs ("DIA") is ready to commence the next phase of implementation. The DIA has issued further guidance on the implementation timeline and the licensing process, including initial guidance on expression of interest ("EoI") requirements and the format of the auction.
Advertising restrictions
A new prohibition on advertising unlicensed online casino gambling under section 10 of the Act has now commenced. While the Gambling Act 2003 already prohibits offshore operators from advertising in New Zealand, the new Act gives the DIA additional enforcement powers to ensure compliance, including the ability to issue take-down notices and to impose increased pecuniary penalties of up to $5 million for unlawful advertising.
The DIA has advised that operators should ensure they comply with all current legal requirements during the transition to the new licensing regime, as compliance history may be considered as part of the licensing process.
Expression of interest
In July 2026, by which time detailed regulations governing operations should be finalised, the Secretary for Internal Affairs will invite EoI submissions for an online casino gambling licence. Ahead of formal application materials and step-by-step guidance being provided when the EoI process opens, the DIA has published preliminary guidance summarising the information and documentation required, so that prospective applicants can begin preparing their submissions (see here). A separate expression of interest must be submitted for each brand for which a licence is sought.
The information provided in an EoI will be used to determine (i) whether an EoI can be accepted and (ii) the suitability of a licence applicant (following the auction) to hold a licence to conduct online casino gambling in New Zealand. All EoI submissions (including supporting documents and certifications) must be lodged through the Government Electronic Tender Service ("GETS") portal. The DIA has published instructions for registering on GETS (see here).
Auction process
The DIA has advised that the competitive process will take the form of an ascending clock auction. The price increases in steps, and at each step all participants are offered the same price at the same time and can choose whether to remain in the auction or withdraw. As the price rises, participants exit once it exceeds what they are willing to pay, and the auction continues until demand matches the licences available.
Further guidance on auction participation will be provided ahead of the auction taking place.
Next steps
A timeline of key steps for implementing the regime is as follows:
- 1 May 2026: The OCGA enters into force, and all operators must continue to ensure they are not advertising online casino gambling services to New Zealand customers.
Operators seeking an online casino gambling licence can:
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- begin preparing the information and documentation required to support the expression of interest submission; and
- register on the GETS website so they are ready to submit an expression of interest when the process opens.
- Mid-2026: Detailed regulations expected to be published.
- July 2026: EoI process opens.
- September 2026: Auction takes place.
- October 2026: Successful bidders can make full licence applications.
- 1 December 2026: Prohibition on providing online casino gambling without a licence enters into force for operators that have not applied for a licence.
- 2027: New regime fully operational when all licence applications have been decided.