NZ’s Online Casino Licences: Who Will Get Them?

How the Application Process Works

The licensing process has three steps:

1. Expression of Interest (EOI) — Interested parties must submit their company info, capital, compliance history, ownership details, and background checks.
2. Competitive Process — Licence slots will likely be awarded via auction or tender, where accepted EOIs compete for the limited 15 licences.
3. Formal Licence Application — Successful bidders must submit business plans tailored to New Zealand, including their harm prevention, consumer protection, marketing, and compliance strategies.

The regulator, the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), will assess suitability based on these factors.

Who Is Likely to Get Licensed

Given the limited number of licences and the complexity of requirements, certain operators stand out as front‑runners:

• Established land-based casino operators in New Zealand, who already understand local regulations.
• Overseas / offshore platforms with strong compliance track records, sufficient capital, and plans tailored to the NZ market.
• Applicants able to demonstrate readiness for strict harm‑minimisation standards, age verification, exclusion tools for problem gamblers, and robust compliance infrastructure.

Who Might Be Excluded

Not everyone will be eligible. The Bill includes criteria that could disqualify some applicants:

• Entities with a history of regulatory violations, dishonest practices, or insufficient capital.
• Operators that attempt to run platforms similar to protected national lotteries (like local Lotto, Powerball, Strike) — the Bill bars licenses for such platforms to avoid competition with state-backed lotteries.
• Applicants who cannot commit to regulatory requirements (e.g., age verification, harm minimisation, platform availability, compliance documentation).

What Licensed Operators Must Do

If an operator secures one of the 15 licences, compliance will be ongoing, not just a one‑time approval. Requirements will include:

• Ensure all players are at least 18 years old.
• Implement age and identity verification, harm‑minimisation, and problem‑gambling safeguards.
• Prohibit credit-based gambling (i.e. no lending or credit for bets).
• Display any mandatory registration icons and audio marks on the platform and any advertising.
• Keep detailed records, comply with reporting rules, and submit to regulatory oversight.

Failing to meet these requirements could lead to licence suspension or cancellation.