New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) began issuing online casino licences in February 2026, with up to 15 licences available under the Online Casino Gambling Bill. Licensed operations begin December 1, 2026. Frankly tracks all licence applications and grants in the table below.
New Zealand Casino Licences 2026
New Zealand issued its first domestic online casino licences in February 2026 — the most significant regulatory development for Kiwi gamblers since the Gambling Act 2003. Up to 15 licences are available, with a three-year initial term and one possible renewal of up to five years.
| Operator | Application Status | Licence Granted | Operating From |
|---|---|---|---|
| Licence announcements pending — this table updates as the DIA publishes approvals. Source: Department of Internal Affairs | |||
What the NZ Casino Licence Means for Players
A domestically licensed casino must meet:
- Harm minimisation protocols and responsible gambling tools
- Robust age and identity verification
- Compliance with advertising restrictions
- Oversight by the Department of Internal Affairs
- Offshore gambling duty of 16% on gross gaming revenue
Licensed casinos cannot advertise gambling inducements to the public — only to players who have explicitly consented via their account.
Can I Still Play at Offshore Casinos After December 2026?
Yes. New Zealand law does not prohibit players from accessing offshore casinos. The new licensing regime regulates operators, not players. Offshore operators without a NZ licence may choose to continue serving Kiwi players — many established offshore casinos are expected to apply.
How Frankly Rates NZ-Licensed vs Offshore Casinos
Frankly's trust score accounts for licence jurisdiction. NZ-licensed casinos receive a higher licence component score than Curaçao or Anjouan-licensed alternatives, reflecting stronger local consumer protections. However, licence quality is one of five components — a well-run Curaçao casino with fast withdrawals and no complaints can still outscore a poorly run NZ-licensed operator.
See our full scoring methodology →Looking for an NZ casino now?
Browse Frankly's ranked NZ casinos — all independently scored and verified.
Browse NZ Casinos →Frequently Asked Questions
How many online casino licences has New Zealand issued?
New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs is issuing up to 15 online casino licences. The application process began in February 2026 with operations starting December 1, 2026. Frankly tracks all grants in real time.
Do I have to use a NZ-licensed casino from December 2026?
No. New Zealand law does not require players to use licensed casinos. Offshore casinos remain accessible and legal for Kiwi players. The licensing regime regulates operators, not individual players.
What happens to offshore casinos after December 2026?
Offshore casinos that have not obtained a NZ licence can no longer advertise to New Zealand players from December 1, 2026. Players can still access them — operators simply cannot market to NZ residents.
What does a NZ casino licence mean for players?
NZ-licensed casinos must meet mandatory harm minimisation protocols, robust age verification, advertising restrictions, and compliance with the Department of Internal Affairs. Frankly gives higher licence scores to NZ-licensed operators.