New Zealand’s gambling laws are evolving rapidly. As of June 28, 2026, online sports and racing betting is exclusively available through TAB New Zealand. Any offshore operators offering these services are considered illegal for NZ residents. (source)
For online casinos, the Online Casino Gambling Bill introduced on June 30, 2026, establishes a regulated framework:
| Provision | Description |
| Number of licenses | Up to 15 licenses for foreign operators |
| Player protection | Harm minimization measures and responsible gambling safeguards |
| Enforcement | Ban on unlicensed operators from July 1, 2026 |
Until these regulations take effect, NZ players may access offshore online casinos, but they are unregulated, presenting potential risks for safety and fair play.
Classes of Gambling in New Zealand
| Class | Prize / Turnover | License Required | Notes |
| 1 | Up to $500 | No | Low-stakes, charitable only |
| 2 | Up to $5,000 (prizes), up to $25,000 (turnover) | No | Low-risk, charitable purposes |
| 3 | Over $5,000 | Yes | Medium-stake gambling; Ministry of Internal Affairs license required |
| 4 | Over $5,000, high turnover | Yes | High-stake gambling; Ministry of Internal Affairs license required |
Classes 1 and 2 do not require a license if the proceeds are used for charity and no commission is taken.
Responsible Gambling & Player Protection
New Zealand prioritizes player safety and minimizing gambling harm:
- Public health promotion and prevention of gambling-related harm
- Support services for problem gamblers and families
- Independent research on gambling impact
Licensed online casinos must contribute to the problem gambling levy, funding these initiatives. (source)
