New Zealand Begins iGaming Licensing Process

The Department of Internal Affairs of New Zealand (DIA) has launched the first phase of the iGaming licensing process, inviting companies to submit expressions of interest (EOIs) to obtain one of the 15 new licenses for online casinos. The invitation was published on July 16 and is effective as of Friday. This move marks the government's transition from policy development to practical acquisition and licensing before the market launch in 2027.

Framework and Requirements

According to the government, applicants must submit their EOIs through the procurement portal, GETS, by August 14, 2026. The original deadline for licensing was set by the DIA in March. Each application must include a non-refundable fee of 19,000 NZD (11,082 USD). The limit of 15 licenses and the requirement for operators to demonstrate access to a minimum of 7.5 million NZD in capital reflect the government's intention to limit market participation to a select group of well-capitalized operators.

Potential license holders face disclosure obligations, which include providing complete identification details of all key officials and a detailed description of the ownership and management structure. They are also expected to outline in detail the brand and gaming platform that will be used. Each operator may obtain a maximum of three licenses.

Entain's CEO, Stella David, mentioned during the FY/25 earnings presentation in March that the company plans to apply for three of the available licenses. David highlighted that Entain, with its exclusive TAB betting brand in New Zealand, would be the only online operator able to cross-sell sports betting and iGaming.

Focus on Integrity, Compliance, and Risk Mitigation

The department has also requested robust evidence to verify the information submitted, including credit reports, certified identifications, criminal background checks, or international equivalents, and documentation confirming available capital. Applicants must also disclose any relevant prior regulatory infringements, ongoing legal investigations, insolvency events such as liquidation or bankruptcy, and any adverse rulings by advertising regulators both in New Zealand and abroad.

Next Steps and Timeline Concerns

The New Zealand Parliament previously approved the Online Casinos Gaming Act earlier this year, legalizing and establishing strict regulations for online gaming. The next step is expected to be a licensing auction in September, inviting successful bidders to submit complete license applications starting in October. The final issuance of iGaming licenses is anticipated in early 2027.

The licensing timeline reflects the complexity of the implementation process. "A 2027 launch provides the necessary time to complete this work robustly and thoughtfully, consistent with the requirements of the Act," a spokesperson told iGB in June. Some operators had expected faster implementation, but the emerging landscape is one of regulatory design rather than regulatory delay. Regulators, legal experts, and operators have suggested that the 2027 timeline results from the model chosen by New Zealand, prioritizing oversight in licensing, harm minimization, and consumer protection alongside market regulation. The outcome could be one of the most restrictive online casino frameworks among recently regulated jurisdictions.

"The most significant change is the transition from an unregulated offshore market to a strictly controlled regime with limited licensing under the Online Casinos Gaming Act 2026," said Jarrod True, director of True Legal, to iGB. "The delay appears intentional, prioritizing an orderly transition and a robust regulatory infrastructure over speed to market."