The long-awaited regulation of online casino gambling in New Zealand has taken a major step forward. On June 30, 2025, the Online Casino Gambling Bill was formally introduced to Parliament by Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden, officially launching the legislative process that will shape the future of online gambling in Aotearoa.
This marks the first time New Zealand has moved to directly regulate offshore casino operators – setting the stage for a fully licensed and monitored iGaming market by early 2026.
What the Bill Proposes
The bill outlines a licensing system for offshore online casino operators, allowing them to legally offer games to New Zealanders under strict conditions. Here are the key points:
- Up to 15 licenses will be available, issued via a competitive auction process
- Applicants must present detailed business plans and robust harm minimisation strategies
- Compliance with AML and privacy laws will be mandatory
- Licensed operators will be permitted to advertise – but under regulated conditions
- Unlicensed operators targeting Kiwi players could face fines of up to NZ$5 million
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) will oversee implementation, monitoring, and enforcement of the new framework.
A Milestone for Safer Gambling
The goal of the bill is clear: to protect players and bring offshore gambling activity under New Zealand’s legal and ethical standards. According to Minister van Velden, this reform will help minimise harm, improve transparency, and ensure that only responsible operators can access the NZ market.
“This legislation will give us the tools to properly oversee and control online casino activity, which is currently happening outside our jurisdiction,” she said during the announcement.
What’s Next?
The bill will now move to a Select Committee later this year, where public submissions will be invited. This stage will allow individuals, advocacy groups, and industry stakeholders to provide feedback before the bill progresses toward a final vote.
If passed, the first licenses could be issued as soon as Q1 2026, marking the beginning of a new era for legal online gambling in New Zealand.
What This Means for Players
Until the law comes into effect, New Zealanders can still legally access offshore casino sites – though those sites remain unregulated by local authorities. Once the new regime is in place, players will benefit from:
- A clear list of licensed and legal operators
- Improved consumer protections and safer gameplay environments
- Responsible gambling tools required by law
- Local oversight for dispute resolution and fairness
We’ll continue to monitor the bill as it progresses through Parliament. You can expect updates right here on Legal Kiwi Casinos whenever there’s something new worth noting.
👉 Curious about the current state of online casinos in NZ? Read our guide to what’s legal now.
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