New Zealand invites expressions of interest from online casino operators
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has asked operators to register on its website.
New Zealand.- The New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has issued a call for online casino operators interested in an igaming licence to register on its website. The government plans to introduce a new system to regulate online casino gambling in 2026. Licences will be issued through a competitive process with a range of regulatory requirements to be considered.
Trina Lowry, online gambling implementation programme director, said: “For online casino operators interested in entering the New Zealand market, the most important thing you can do is register your interest at www.dia.govt.nz/OGI. As we continue to design and implement the system, we want to ensure it is clear, efficient and supportive for potential operators. To help us achieve this, we want to engage with operators to understand what information would be most helpful as the process unfolds and understand their experience and needs.”
For now, online casino gambling in New Zealand is prohibited under the Gambling Act 2003 but government announced last July that it would introduce legislation to regulate online casino gambling last July in a bid to help protect consumers, minimise gambling harm and provide regulatory oversight.
In a video, Lowry and Vicki Scott, director gambling at the Department of Internal Affairs, shared details about the programme.
Matt Doocey, New Zealand’s minister for mental health, recently announced a NZ$81m (US$49m) investment for a new strategy aimed at tackling gambling harm. This will be funded by a problem gambling levy paid by non-casino gaming machine operators, casinos, TAB NZ and Lotto NZ.
Doocey said the strategy was developed through a two-stage consultation process and will be focused on delivering timely, effective support for people, families and communities. It will aim to increase access to treatment and support and improve prevention and early intervention.
