888, Betway and Bet365 interested in New Zealand online licence
New Zealand’s Journey Towards a Regulated Online Casino Market: Insights for Industry Stakeholders
As New Zealand gears up to unveil its regulated online casino market in 2026, Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden announced on November 13 that a total of 15 licenses will be made available to online operators. This pivotal development marks a significant step towards establishing a comprehensive legal framework for online gambling, ensuring that the industry operates within a controlled and safe environment.
Introduction to Online Casino Regulation
The New Zealand government first revealed its intentions to regulate online casinos in July, unveiling a high-level strategy aimed at minimizing gambling-related harm, bolstering tax revenue, and enhancing consumer protections for Kiwi players. With the introduction of a licensing system projected for 2025, a bill will be presented in April of that year, aimed to be enacted by December. The auction process for the 15 licenses will begin on February 2, 2026, with licensed operators expected to commence trading by April 2026.
Details of the Licensing System
Each operator will be required to secure an individual license to manage its online casino offerings, with licenses distributed through an auction process. In recent cabinet disclosures as of September 9, several well-known operators have already indicated their intent to apply for an online license. Key names in this cohort include:
- SkyCity
- TAB NZ
- Grand Casino Dunedin
- Christchurch Casino
- Class 4 societies
- 888 Holdings
- Bet365
- SpinBet
- Spin City
- Super Group (inclusive of Betway)
Currently, 36 online operators remit Goods and Services Tax (GST) to the New Zealand government. This category encompasses major global players like Flutter, Super Group, Bet365, and Entain, alongside local veteran SkyCity.
Recent revenue and tax data from Inland Revenue highlights that the leading 15 operators contributed over 90% of online gambling GST over the past three years. This statistic suggests that an effective channeling strategy can be employed to maximize revenue without necessitating a large pool of operators, thereby reducing the regulatory burden associated with the licensing regime.
Regulatory Landscape: The Role of TAB NZ
The discussion surrounding TAB NZ, New Zealand’s online betting monopoly, further complicates the regulatory landscape. As it currently operates through a partnership with Entain, the cabinet documentation recommends that TAB NZ remain outside the new online casino regulatory framework since it already adheres to existing betting regulations. However, the ultimate decision regarding TAB NZ’s eligibility to apply for an online casino license lies with Minister of Racing Winston Peters.
The established land-based casinos, including SkyCity and Christchurch, already leverage offshore models for online gaming, making them well-positioned to apply for the new online casino licenses. Conversely, Dunedin’s Grand Casino has yet to venture into this arena.
Player Protection and Compliance Measures
In addressing player protection protocols, Minister Van Velden emphasizes that operators who violate player protection directives could face penalties of up to NZ$5 million. These regulations will encompass strict restrictions on gambling advertising, including an outright ban on promotional content aimed at minors. Additionally, operators must implement robust age verification systems to ensure compliance with these protective measures.
Van Velden asserts, “My goal is not to increase the amount of gambling that is happening online, but to enable New Zealanders who wish to play casino games online to do so more safely than they can today.” With the current landscape allowing New Zealanders to access numerous offshore gambling sites, the planned regulatory system aims to redirect consumers towards the legally sanctioned 15 licensed operators.
Further regulations are underway to refine the advertising guidelines, along with ongoing initiatives focused on harm minimization and consumer protection. This strategy draws on the framework established in the existing Gambling Act, providing the necessary adaptability to adjust regulations in response to evolving industry dynamics.
Conclusion: A New Era for New Zealand’s Gambling Market
The upcoming launch of New Zealand’s regulated online casino market represents a transformative shift in the gambling landscape designed to promote player safety and enhance regulatory oversight. As stakeholders prepare for this monumental change, a well-articulated strategy rooted in compliance and responsible gaming will be paramount to the success of both operators and consumers alike. This proactive approach could not only secure governmental objectives but also reinforce New Zealand’s reputation as a responsible player in the global gambling arena.
