New Zealand Opens EOI for iGaming Licences as Market Liberalises
New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs starts accepting expressions of interest for 15 new iGaming licences, transitioning from policy to licensing.
Key Takeaways
- New Zealand begins accepting expressions of interest for iGaming licences.
- Operators need at least NZ$7.5 million capital for eligibility.
- Final licences are expected to be issued by early 2027.
New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has initiated the first phase of issuing iGaming licences, inviting expressions of interest (EOIs) from companies for 15 new online casino licences. This process, beginning on 16 July and effective from Friday, signifies New Zealand's shift from policy planning to practical licensing as the country prepares for market launch in 2027.
Licensing Framework and Requirements
The DIA has specified that applicants must submit their EOIs through the GETS procurement portal by 14 August 2026. Each submission should include a non-refundable fee of NZ$19,000 ($11,082). The government's cap of 15 licences, along with a requirement of NZ$7.5 million in available capital, ensures participation by well-capitalised operators. Additionally, applicants must disclose key officer details, ownership, and management structures. Operators are limited to holding three licences each.
Entain CEO Stella David expressed the company's intention to apply for three licences, taking advantage of its exclusive TAB brand in New Zealand to cross-sell between sports and iGaming.
Emphasis on Compliance and Risk Mitigation
The DIA demands comprehensive documentation from applicants, including credit reports, identification, criminal record clearances, and capital verification. Disclosure of any past regulatory breaches, ongoing investigations, insolvency, or adverse advertising rulings is mandatory. This stringent process underlines New Zealand's focus on probity and harm minimisation within its new online gambling framework.
Next Steps and Timeline Concerns
Following the new Online Casino Gambling Act approved earlier this year, a licence auction is anticipated in September, with successful bidders invited to submit full applications from October. Final iGaming licences are expected by early 2027. The timeline, though slower than some operators hoped, is designed to ensure a robust and considered implementation, prioritising consumer protection and regulatory scrutiny.
According to Jarrod True, director of True Legal, the approach reflects a significant shift from an unregulated offshore market to a tightly controlled, licence-limited regime. He describes the 2027 timetable as intentional, prioritising a seamless transition over a rapid market entry.
Opportunities for Applicants
Operators seeking entry into New Zealand's market should prepare to meet stringent compliance requirements. This involves detailed planning and alignment with the country's vision for a responsible and well-regulated online casino environment. With the opportunity to hold multiple licences, well-prepared operators like Entain can leverage their existing brands and market presence.
New Zealand’s proactive approach in overseeing the rollout ensures a thoroughly regulated environment that promises consumer protection and balanced market participation.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the deadline for submitting expressions of interest for iGaming licences in New Zealand?
The deadline is 14 August 2026, as mandated by New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs.
What requirements must operators meet to apply for a licence?
Operators must submit their EOIs with a non-refundable fee and provide evidence of a minimum of NZ$7.5 million in capital, along with key personnel and structural details.
Why does New Zealand have a cap on the number of iGaming licences?
The cap of 15 licences ensures a controlled market entry, allowing only well-capitalised and established operators to participate, prioritising stability and consumer protection.
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About the author
Eleanor Whitfield
Regulatory Affairs Correspondent
Eleanor Whitfield tracks gambling legislation, licensing decisions, and regulator enforcement across key markets — from the UKGC, MGA, and Germany's GGL to Spain's DGOJ and the state-by-state map in the Americas. The reporting answers three questions precisely: what changed, where, and who it affects, with jurisdictions, effective dates, and penalty figures named exactly as published. Compliance officers and operators read Eleanor Whitfield to know which rulebook moved before their next board meeting.
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