New Zealand Online Casino Regulation Takes Another Step Forward
Another positive step toward full regulation of online gambling in New Zealand occurred on June 30, with a new bill introduced to Parliament.
The 'Online Casino Gambling Bill' was brought forward by Brooke van Velden, who acts as the New Zealand Minister of Internal Affairs. The new legislation aims to introduce full licensing regulations for NZ casino operators, closing off what has previously been operating as a grey market, and meaning that up to 15 licenses could be granted.
And online gambling companies have been quick to react, with SBC reporting that some licenses are already in the works. Some of the larger casino operations have expressed interest, including 888, bet365, and Super Group, which owns the JackpotCity, Ruby Fortune, and Spin Casino brands, among others.
The New Zealand Online Casino Landscape in 2025
Whilst it's true to say that NZ casino players can access real money online slots and casino games now in 2025, the actual details are a bit more opaque. Online casinos are made available to NZ players by operating offshore, outside of any government-led regulation.
This is commonly known as a 'grey market', meaning that although real money wagering is possible and not strictly speaking illegal, it doesn't provide any protection or safeguards for players. A similar situation currently exists in Canada, with only Ontario providing specific legislation for players based in the province.
“Gamblers should be extremely cautious of those operators who may be based in jurisdictions with minimal consumer safeguards in place. They might lack adequate measures to address gambling harm and may not return unspent credits or even pay out on large wins.”
Director of Gambling, Department of Internal Affairs, Vicki Scott, speaking to iGB.
What Does the New New Zealand Casino Regulation Mean?
Essentially, the new legislation from Minister van Velden would bring New Zealand in line with other regional-based casino regulations that exist elsewhere, such as the United Kingdom, Ontario in Canada, and legal gambling states in the US, such as New Jersey and Michigan.
The new bill is said to be based on a new licensing procedure, which has three steps for prospective gambling companies. New casinos need to express an interest in operating in NZ, followed by a competitive process, and lastly, a formal application to operate.
For more details on where to play online for real money in New Zealand, take a look at our full NZ Online Casinos Guide.
Find the best casino bonuses, mobile apps, and where to play the best slots and casino games.
Read moreWhat's Next for NZ Online Casinos?
Casinos currently operating in New Zealand under the existing situation will be able to continue operating until the end of 2026, provided they apply for a license by July 1, 2026. Any operators without a valid license will then be prohibited from operating in New Zealand after December 31, 2026.
Until then, New Zealand casino players can still enjoy online slots, table games like blackjack and roulette, as well as many live dealer platforms. However, there remains the caveat of a lack of protection for players, created by the current offshore situation. The new bill aims to provide a safer and less volatile casino market in New Zealand, benefiting all online gamblers.
“The Online Casino Gambling Bill will introduce a regulatory system for online gambling in New Zealand, which will prioritise harm minimisation, consumer protection, and tax collection,” Minister van Velden explained to SBC.
As always, PokerNews will keep our eyes peeled on any future developments and provide details on changes to any regulations as they happen.
