The New Zealand government officially invited expressions of interest from online betting operators that plan to apply for licenses.
The move is part of a wider legislative plan announced in mid-2024, expected to lead to a regulated market launch in early 2026.
Key takeaways
- New Zealand's government asked gaming operators to apply for licenses through an online portal.
- There are 15 online casino licenses available, and the online casino market is expected to launch in July 2026.
- Iwi leaders and retail gambling operators oppose the plan to launch online casinos.
According to plans, the government will grant up to 15 online casino licenses through a competitive application process. All New Zealand online casino applicants will be need to meet strict regulatory standards, including those on responsible gambling, age verification, and harm minimization. The government stated it wants to engage with operators ahead of time.
“As we continue to design and implement the system, we want to ensure it is clear, efficient and supportive for potential operators. To help us achieve this, we want to engage with operators to understand what information would be most helpful as the process unfolds and understand their experience and needs,” said Online Gambling Implementation Programme Director, Tina Lowry.
Iwi leaders and retail operators oppose legalization
Not everyone agrees with the plan, however. The Online Safety Iwi Leaders Group asked the government to pause its plans to launch New Zealand online casinos, citing a lack of consultation with their communities.
“People will be able to sit in their homes and have a casino in their hand and in their pocket. It will ultimately affect the way of life for some of our families,” said Rahui Papa, Chair of Pou Tangata within the National Iwi Chairs Forum.
Reports also suggest retail operators, including the TAB and SkyCity, are opposed to the expansion, potentially due to the likely dominance of overseas betting brands.
Alberta on course to launch at the same time
New Zealand is not alone in its plans to regulate online gambling in 2026. Minister Dale Nally, speaking at the Canadian Gaming Summit, said Alberta is also preparing to launch its iGaming market early next year.
According to Nally, Alberta will open the licensing process to private online casino and sportsbook operators once regulations are in place, ending its government-run platform monopoly through Play Alberta. The new regime will include a new Alberta iGaming Corporation to oversee operations, and stakeholder consultations involving private operators, land-based casinos, and First Nations groups to ensure responsible and culturally sensitive implementation.
With Alberta and New Zealand on track to introduce regulated online gambling markets around the same time, the progress of these parallel efforts may shape how other nations approach online gambling in the years ahead.
