Last updated: 9 October 2026
Quick answer: New Zealand’s online casino licence auction began on 29 September 2026. Up to 15 brand-specific licences are on offer. As of 9 October 2026, the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has not yet published the results. Operators that do not win a place must stop serving New Zealand players from 1 December 2026. We will update this page as soon as the results are announced.
NZ Online Casino Auction Results
The results have not been published yet. The DIA has said the outcome will be publicly notified, but it will not name the operators taking part or share bid amounts while the process runs.
| # | Operator | Brand | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1–15 | To be announced | To be announced | Awaiting DIA notice |
Industry reports say around 50 operators submitted expressions of interest, and companies such as Entain and Tabcorp have been reported as interested. None of this confirms who will win a licence.
Key Facts About the Auction
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Law | Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, in force since 1 May 2026 |
| Regulator | Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) |
| Number of licences | Up to 15, one per brand or platform |
| Limit per company | No single operator may have significant influence over more than 3 licences |
| Expression of interest | Closed 14 August 2026; non-refundable fee of NZ$19,000 |
| Minimum capital | NZ$7.5 million |
| Auction start | 29 September 2026 |
| Licence term | Up to 3 years, with one renewal of up to 5 years |
| Levy on licensed operators | 3.5% of online gambling profits |
| Operators without a place must leave | 1 December 2026 |
| First licences expected | From early 2027 |
How the Licensing Process Works
The process has three stages. Each one narrows the field.
- Expression of interest (July–August 2026): operators applied through the government tender service, paid the NZ$19,000 fee and showed access to at least NZ$7.5 million in capital.
- Auction (from 29 September 2026): operators whose expressions of interest were accepted bid for the right to apply for one of the 15 licences.
- Licence application (from October 2026): auction winners submit a full application. The DIA checks their key officers, systems, game testing and harm-minimisation plans before granting a licence.
Winning the auction does not guarantee a licence. The DIA has said that being invited to the auction does not mean an operator will be invited to apply or that a licence will be granted.
What Happens After the Auction
Operators that win a place
Auction winners can keep serving New Zealand players under an exemption while the DIA assesses their applications. They may not advertise in New Zealand until they hold a licence. Once licensed, an operator must launch its platform within 90 days.
Operators that do not win a place
All other online casinos must exit the New Zealand market by 1 December 2026. After that date, they may not offer games to people in New Zealand or advertise to them. Penalties for unlawful advertising reach NZ$5 million, and the DIA can issue takedown notices.
Players
Players do not commit an offence by playing at an unlicensed site, but unlicensed sites do not offer the protections that licensed ones must provide. If you have money at a casino that may leave the market, read our guide on what happens to your offshore casino account.
Key Dates
- 1 May 2026: Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 comes into force.
- 3 July 2026: regulations take effect.
- 14 August 2026: expressions of interest close.
- 29 September 2026: licence auction begins.
- October 2026: auction winners can lodge full licence applications.
- 1 December 2026: operators without a place must leave the New Zealand market.
- Early 2027: the DIA expects to start issuing licences.
How to Check If a Casino Is Licensed
Once licences are granted, the DIA will publish a public register of licensed online casinos. Every licensed casino must also show a registration icon that links to its entry on that register. Our guide to the NZ online casino registration icon explains how to use it.
What Licensed Casinos Will Have to Offer Players
- Identity checks to confirm every player is 18 or over (see minimum age rules).
- Deposit, spending and time limits that players can set daily, weekly or monthly.
- Breaks, time-outs and self-exclusion, including indefinite self-exclusion.
- No credit card payments and no autoplay.
- One account per player on each platform.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will the NZ online casino auction results be announced?
The DIA has not given a date. The auction began on 29 September 2026, and the DIA has said the outcome will be publicly notified. We will update this page when it is.
How many online casino licences will New Zealand issue?
Up to 15. Each licence covers one brand or platform, and no single company may control more than three.
Can I still play at my current online casino after 1 December 2026?
Only if the operator won a place in the auction and is applying for a licence. All other operators must stop serving New Zealand players by that date.
When will the first licensed online casinos open in New Zealand?
The DIA expects to issue licences from early 2027. Licensed operators then have 90 days to launch.
Is it illegal for me to play at an unlicensed casino?
No. The law targets operators and advertisers, not players. Unlicensed sites, however, do not have to follow New Zealand’s player protection rules.
For the full legal picture, see our guide to online casinos in New Zealand and the DIA’s information for players.
This article is for information only and is not legal advice. If gambling is causing you problems, call the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 or text 8006.
