Full requirements set out for New Zealand online casino licence applications
Successful bidders in this month’s auction must submit business plans and marketing, consumer protection, harm minimisation and compliance strategies in their applications.
Key takeaways:
- New Zealand’s online casino licence auction is scheduled for 29 September 2026.
- Winning an auction slot does not automatically grant an online casino licence.
- Games already certified under applicable UK or Ontario standards will not need initial re-testing.
- The market will have a maximum of 15 licences, with no operator allowed significant influence over more than three.
New Zealand.- The full requirements for New Zealand online casino licence applications have been confirmed. Successful bidders in this month’s auction will need to complete a separate application process before they can operate in the regulated market.
According to the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), winning an auction slot gives companies the right to apply for a licence. Successful bidders will still need to complete a detailed application to prove they can operate safely and responsibly. They will have to submit five documents showing how they plan to run their business:
- A business plan
- An advertising and marketing strategy
- A consumer protection strategy
- A harm prevention and minimisation strategy
- A compliance strategy
Operators will also need to provide a document showing how their internal policies match the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 and its related rules. Online casino technology will need to be certified by independent testing laboratories. Games and random number generators (RNGs) already tested to applicable standards in the UK or the Canadian province of Ontario will not need to be re-tested for the market’s first day. However, any other existing games or new titles added after launch must undergo full external testing.
The government is limiting the market to a maximum of 15 licences. Each brand will need a separate licence and to prevent major concentration of ownership, no single operator can control or hold significant influence over more than three licences. Licences will initially last up to three years, with a single option to renew for up to five years.
The auction will be held on September 29. After that, successful bidders will be expected to complete all requirements for their licence applications by October 23, 2026.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs):
- Does winning New Zealand’s online casino auction automatically grant a licence?
No. Winning an auction slot only gives a company the right to apply for an online casino licence and complete the required assessment process. - What must New Zealand online casino applicants submit?
Applicants must provide a business plan, advertising and marketing strategy, consumer protection strategy, harm prevention and minimisation strategy, and compliance strategy. - How many online casino licences will New Zealand issue?
There will be a maximum of 15 licences, with each brand requiring its own licence. A single operator cannot control or significantly influence more than three licences.
