New Zealand Begins Expression of Interest Process for Online Casino Licenses

New Zealand Opens Applications for 15 Online Gaming Licenses

The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has initiated the first stage of the licensing process by calling on eligible operators to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI). The invitation, effective from 17 July 2026, was issued by Secretary for Internal Affairs Paul James through an official notice published in the New Zealand Gazette.

The EOI process is the first step for companies aiming to secure one of the 15 online casino licenses that will be granted as part of New Zealand's new regulated online gambling market.

Applicants are required to provide detailed information about their operations, including their gaming brand and platform, ownership structure, key individuals involved in the business, existing gambling licenses held by the company or associated persons, funding sources, and any history of regulatory investigations or breaches in other jurisdictions.

Financial Requirements for Applicants

The Department has also established financial eligibility criteria for prospective licensees.

Companies submitting an Expression of Interest must pay an application fee of NZ$19,000 (approximately US$11,100) and demonstrate access to a minimum capital of NZ$7.5 million (approximately US$4.4 million).

These requirements are intended to ensure that applicants possess the financial capacity and regulatory credentials necessary to participate in New Zealand's future licensed online casino market.

Online Gambling Regulation Continues to Advance

The launch of the EOI process represents another key step in the implementation of New Zealand's online gambling reform.

The government first announced its intention to regulate and license online casino operators in July 2024, with the objective of bringing an existing offshore gambling market under domestic regulatory oversight.

Earlier this year, during the Regulating the Game conference in Sydney, Paul James emphasized that the regulatory initiative is designed to channel existing gambling activity toward licensed operators rather than expand gambling participation.

"The move to regulate online casinos was not about introducing online gambling to New Zealanders but channeling a market that already exists towards safe, licensed sites."

Regulated Market to Strengthen Consumer Protection

By introducing a competitive licensing process and limiting the market to 15 licensed operators, New Zealand aims to establish a regulated online casino sector that prioritizes consumer protection, regulatory compliance, and responsible gambling while providing greater oversight of operators serving local players.

The Expression of Interest period is expected to be followed by the formal licensing process later in 2026, paving the way for the launch of New Zealand's regulated online gaming market.