Last updated: 9 October 2026
Quick answer: The minimum age for online casinos in New Zealand is 18. Under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, licensed operators must verify every player’s identity and confirm they are 18 or over. This is lower than the age for land-based casinos, where you must be 20 to enter the gaming areas.
Gambling Age in New Zealand at a Glance
| Type of gambling | Minimum age |
|---|---|
| Licensed online casinos | 18 |
| Land-based casinos (gaming areas) | 20 |
| Pokies in pubs and clubs | 18 |
| TAB racing and sports betting | 18 |
| Lotto, Bullseye, Play 3, Keno | No minimum age today; 18 from 2027 |
Sources: Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 and YouthLaw Aotearoa.
Why Online Casinos Are 18 and Land Casinos Are 20
Land-based casinos are covered by the Gambling Act 2003, which sets the age for casino gaming areas at 20. Online casinos fall under the newer Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, which uses 18, the same age as pubs, clubs and the TAB.
In practice, an 18 or 19-year-old will be able to play at a licensed online casino but will still be turned away from the gaming floor at a casino such as SkyCity.
How Licensed Online Casinos Must Check Your Age
Licensed operators must take all reasonable steps to confirm that every player is at least 18. A tick-box asking “Are you over 18?” is not enough. Expect to:
- prove your identity when you open an account, usually with a driver licence or passport;
- confirm your address with a recent bill or bank statement if the automatic check fails;
- pass further checks before your first withdrawal.
Licensed casinos must also allow only one account per player on each platform.
Advertising Rules That Protect Under-18s
- Online casino ads may not be directed at under-18s.
- Ads may not run where more than 20% of the audience is likely to be under 18.
- Ads may not appeal to minors.
What About Offshore Casinos?
Offshore casinos set their own age rules in their terms and conditions, and most of them require players to be at least 18. From 1 December 2026, only operators that won a place in New Zealand’s licence auction may keep serving New Zealand players. Licensed casinos will follow the New Zealand age-verification rules described above.
What Happens If You Are Under Age
A licensed casino may not let anyone under 18 gamble, which is why it checks your identity before you play. Offshore casinos also forbid under-age play in their terms and can void the winnings of a player who lied about their age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I play at an online casino in New Zealand at 18?
Yes. The minimum age for licensed online casinos is 18, and you will need to verify your identity.
Why do I have to be 20 to enter SkyCity but only 18 to play online?
Land-based casinos follow the Gambling Act 2003, which sets 20 for casino gaming areas. Online casinos follow the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, which sets 18.
Can I play pokies at 18 in New Zealand?
Yes, in pubs and clubs. Pokies inside a land-based casino require you to be 20.
Is there an age limit for Lotto in New Zealand?
Not today. All Lotto games are due to move to 18 and over in 2027.
Do online casinos check my age?
Licensed casinos must verify your identity and age before you play. A simple age declaration is not enough.
Read our full guide to online casinos in New Zealand for more on the new law.
This article is for information only and is not legal advice. If gambling is causing you or a young person problems, call the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 or text 8006.
