New Zealand Moves to Legalize Online Casino Gambling by 2026

The New Zealand government is progressing toward legalizing online casino gambling in an effort to curtail offshore gaming websites’ ability to target players in the Pacific Ocean island country. According to Hon. Brooke van Velden, the country’s Internal Affairs minister, online gaming licenses will be available starting in early 2026. Van Velden confirmed that a regulatory framework to issue these licenses will be in place by that time. The initiative aims to offer a limited number of licenses under strict guidelines. Operators must pass suitability checks, pay taxes on their gross gaming revenues, ensure consumer protection, and promote responsible play.

The primary motive for moving gambling to the internet is to provide New Zealanders with a safe gambling environment from the comfort of their homes — something not guaranteed by offshore websites, van Velden stated.

“Licensing is how we regulate most forms of gambling domestically. This is not intended to increase the amount of gambling New Zealanders do but to ensure operators meet requirements for consumer protection and harm minimization, as well as paying tax,” the minister explained.

New Zealand, home to less than 5.5 million people, annually attracts millions of tourists who significantly contribute to the country’s economy.

SkyCity Entertainment Group holds New Zealand’s only land-based casino license, operating gaming resorts in Auckland, Hamilton, and Queenstown. TAB New Zealand maintains a monopoly on sports and parimutuel wagering. All forms of gambling in New Zealand are controlled by van Velden’s Internal Affairs Department.

Last year, SkyCity’s casinos in New Zealand generated approximately NZ$387.2 million (US$229.5 million) in retail gross gaming revenue, with its properties adding nearly US$111 million in non-gaming revenue. Auckland’s casino features almost 1,900 slots and 150 tables, while Hamilton offers 339 slots and 23 tables, and Queenstown has 86 slots and 12 tables.

SkyCity Entertainment Group has long advocated for the development of online casino gambling in New Zealand. The company claims that offshore gaming websites have been encroaching on its business for decades by siphoning play with illegal casino websites. Following van Velden’s announcement of developing a legal framework for online casinos, SkyCity expressed its support.

“The SkyCity Entertainment Group remains supportive of the regulation of online casino gaming in New Zealand with an emphasis on strong host responsibility and delivering community benefits in New Zealand,” a company release stated.

SkyCity is likely to secure one of the upcoming iGaming concessions. Van Velden indicated that the licenses would be auctioned off, valid for three years, assuming regulatory compliance is maintained by the operators.

In contrast to the United States, where online sports betting and casino gambling advertisements are pervasive, van Velden mentioned that New Zealand would adopt a different approach. Licensed online gambling operators will be permitted to advertise “with strict limits” and will be prohibited from entering sponsorship deals with sports teams, television networks, and stadiums.

Only individuals aged 18 and older will be allowed to gamble online. Licensed operators will be granted the ability to run online slot machines and table games, but not sports betting or lottery products.