New Zealand prepares to launch its regulated online casino market in 2026
Big news for all of us who follow gambling trends: New Zealand is finally getting ready to regulate online casinos in New Zealand!
I’ve been waiting for something like this for years. The announcement, made by Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden, confirms that the government will issue 15 licences for operators to run legally within the country.
This is a big step. Honestly, it’s about time. Right now, most of us who gamble online are stuck using offshore platforms, and that comes with a lot of risks—no protections, no guarantees.
So, yeah, regulation on online casinos in New Zealand? It’s a win.
Why is this happening now?
It’s no secret that people in New Zealand already gamble online. The government knows this. Instead of ignoring the trend, they’ve decided to step in and make it safer. Brooke van Velden has been clear: the goal isn’t to increase gambling but to give people a safer, better alternative to those offshore sites.
I get it. I’ve tried offshore sites before. Some are fine, but others? Sketchy at best. You don’t always know who you’re dealing with, and if something goes wrong, good luck getting your money back.
With this new system, I feel like there’s going to be a lot more trust. Operators will need licences to run, and only 15 will be given out. That keeps things tight and controlled, which is smart.
How will it work?
Okay, so here’s the plan. The government will start the process in early 2025. Legislation for this whole licensing thing will pass by the end of that year. Then, the actual auction for the licences will kick off in February 2026. By April 2026, we could be logging onto fully licensed, safe online casinos in New Zealand.
Fifteen licences might not seem like a lot, but it makes sense. There’s no need for a flood of operators when just a handful can cover most of the demand. Apparently, the top 15 online operators already make up more than 90% of gambling tax revenue here. So, fewer licences mean better control.
Big names like 888, Betway, and Bet365 are already interested. No surprise there—they’re giants in the industry. But local operators like SkyCity and Christchurch Casino are also expected to join the fray. Personally, I’d like to see more local names in the mix. It feels more grounded that way.
What about safety?
This is where it gets serious. The government isn’t just handing out licences and walking away. Operators will face strict rules to protect players.
For example, there’s going to be a NZ$5 million fine for any operator that breaches player protection rules. That’s no joke. Advertising will also be heavily monitored, with restrictions on anything that targets kids or looks predatory. Plus, operators need to have age verification systems in place to keep minors out.
Honestly, this gives me a lot of hope. I’ve seen how bad things can get with unregulated gambling. People lose control, and there’s no one to step in and help. With these rules, it feels like the government is actually trying to do it right.
A personal take
I remember the first time I tried online gambling. It was exciting, sure, but also kind of nerve-wracking. I used an offshore site that my friend recommended, but I didn’t fully trust it. Every time I deposited money, I had this nagging feeling—what if something went wrong? What if they just took my cash and disappeared?
That’s why I’m so glad online casinos in New Zealand will be regulated soon. It’s not just about having access to games; it’s about peace of mind. Knowing that the government has my back makes a huge difference.
The role of Brooke van Velden
I have to give credit to Brooke van Velden for leading this initiative. She’s been very clear about her intentions. She wants to create a system that protects people while also keeping the industry under control.
One thing she said really stuck with me: “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.”
That’s exactly what we need. Offshore sites don’t care about us. They just want our money. But a regulated system? That puts players first.
Challenges ahead
Of course, this isn’t going to be smooth sailing. Even with regulation, some people will probably still use offshore sites. They might be tempted by bigger bonuses or fewer restrictions. It’s going to be a challenge for the government to compete with that.
There’s also the question of whether 15 licences are enough. What if demand skyrockets? Will there be room for more operators? Or will the system feel too exclusive?
I don’t have the answers, but I trust that Brooke van Velden and her team are thinking about these things.
What it means for players
For us players, this is huge. No more guessing if a site is legit. No more worrying about whether you’ll actually get your winnings.
It also means better tools for managing gambling habits. Things like spending limits and self-exclusion programs will probably become standard features. That’s a big deal for anyone who’s struggled with gambling before.
And let’s not forget about the games. With big names like Betway and Bet365 in the mix, we can expect high-quality options. Slots, poker, live dealer games—you name it.
Final thoughts
2026 feels like a long way off, but it’s closer than you think. Before we know it, online casinos in New Zealand will be a reality.
I’m excited about the possibilities. This isn’t just about gambling; it’s about doing it responsibly. It’s about creating a system that works for everyone, from casual players to hardcore gamers.
So, here’s to the future. Thanks to leaders like Brooke van Velden, we’re moving towards a safer, smarter gambling environment. And I, for one, can’t wait to see how it all unfolds.
