Can You Legally Play Online Casinos in New Zealand?

Can You Legally Play Online Casinos in New Zealand?

While New Zealand doesn’t currently regulate online casinos based offshore, that doesn’t mean playing at them is illegal. The law, as it stands today, allows Kiwis to access and play on international casino sites – provided those sites are not operated from within New Zealand.

In other words, you can legally play at online casinos, as long as the operator is based overseas.

The Key Law: Gambling Act 2003

New Zealand’s gambling laws are governed by the Gambling Act 2003, which prohibits most forms of remote gambling unless run by the Lotto NZ or the TAB. These two are the only legally authorised operators based in New Zealand.

However, the Act doesnt criminalise individual players who choose to play at offshore casinos. It only restricts operators from offering online gambling from within New Zealand’s borders.

That’s why so many international casinos still accept NZ players – and why they’re able to advertise bonuses, pokies, and loyalty offers online.

So, is it safe?

Playing at an offshore casino comes with legal grey areas and added risks. For example:

• There’s no official NZ licensing body regulating these sites yet
• Dispute resolution can be difficult, especially if the operator is uncooperative
• Some sites have unfair terms or poor customer service
• You’re relying entirely on the operator’s own licensing authority (often Curaçao or Malta)

That’s why it’s important to choose only well-reviewed, trusted sites if you do decide to play now.

👉 For current recommendations, visit Kiwi Best Casinos – a trusted resource for offshore casinos that accept NZ players.

What About Taxes?

Winnings from gambling are generally not taxed in New Zealand for individual players, as gambling isn’t considered a taxable form of income. This applies to both domestic and offshore sites. However, this could change under the new regulatory framework.

Summary: What You Can and Can’t Do

What’s changing?

In 2026, New Zealand is expected to roll out a licensing system for online gambling. This will give players access to locally regulated casinos for the first time- and will likely restrict unlicensed offshore operators from continuing to serve NZ customers.