New Zealand has taken a significant step towards regulating online casino gambling, replacing a longstanding grey market with a structured licensing framework under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026. With the licensing process now officially underway, only 15 licences will be available to operators. Applicants will face a highly competitive process, alongside strict requirements covering advertising, player protection, financial compliance and responsible gambling. The new regime is expected to strengthen consumer protection and regulatory oversight. However, it also raises questions about market access, competition and channelisation... 

The magic 15: Operators compete for available licences 

On 17 July, New Zealand opened the first stage of its regulated online casino market, inviting operators to apply for one of 15 available licences. Applicants were required to submit expressions of interest by 14 August, pay a NZ$19,000 (US$10,970) application fee and demonstrate at least NZ$7.5m in capital, alongside providing detailed ownership, management and compliance disclosures. Successful licence holders will be required to pay a quarterly levy of 3.5% of online gambling profits, with penalties applying for late payments.