New Zealand has begun accepting applications for up to 15 online casino licences in February 2026, marking a historic shift from an offshore-dominated market to a fully regulated framework.
New Zealand has taken a landmark step in February 2026 by opening its iGaming licensing process to international operators. Up to 15 three-year licences are being auctioned, with successful applicants permitted to go live later the same year.
The move ends years of a legal grey zone in which New Zealand players accessed offshore platforms freely while domestic advertising remained banned under the Gambling Act 2003. The new framework, spearheaded by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), channels this existing activity into a regulated, taxed, and player-protected environment.
What the licence requires
Successful applicants must meet strict requirements across responsible gaming, technical standards, and player protection. The DIA has placed particular emphasis on minimising harm among Māori communities, who have been disproportionately affected by problem gambling in New Zealand.
Licence fees and GGR tax rates have not been fully disclosed but are expected to be competitive with other mature regulated markets such as Malta and Denmark. Operators already in the market have a transitional window: they can continue operating if they apply for a licence by 1 July 2026 and await a decision.
Who has expressed interest?
Several international brands have publicly signalled their intention to apply. The 15-licence cap means competition for positions will be significant, and operators with clean compliance records, robust responsible gaming frameworks, and established player protection track records will be advantaged in the assessment process.
What this means for the market
New Zealand has a population of approximately 5 million but a high per-capita engagement with online gambling. The regulated market is expected to generate substantial tax revenues while simultaneously reducing unlicensed operator activity through ISP blocking and payment processor restrictions on unlicensed sites.
For operators evaluating entry into the Oceania region, New Zealand represents one of the most significant new regulated market openings of 2026. The licensing window is time-limited and the number of available licences is strictly capped, making early preparation essential.