Whereas New Zealand has a protracted custom of playing, the locals are notably concerned with on-line playing. A rising variety of Kiwis have been turning to the web for on line casino video games, sports activities betting, and different video games of luck. However, with this development, the strains between what’s authorized and what’s not typically seem blurred for the locals.
Whether or not you’re a newcomer or an everyday Kiwi gambler, understanding the present legal guidelines and the place issues are heading may help you keep secure and keep away from points. In our article, we cowl the authorized stuff, what’s off-limits, and the brand new adjustments on the horizon.
The Present On-line Playing Legal guidelines in New Zealand
The present on-line playing guidelines in New Zealand are based mostly on the Playing Act of 2003. This laws clearly defines which playing actions are authorized. It additionally states that operating a playing web site from inside New Zealand is against the law until you get a particular exemption from the federal government.
Presently, solely two firms have this proper:
- Lotto NZ, which presents lotto video games on-line
- TAB NZ, which operates sports activities books
Curiously, the legislation doesn’t ban locals from playing on offshore on-line playing websites. Which means New Zealanders can legally play at any abroad on-line on line casino or sportsbook, even when these usually are not regulated by the native authorities. This has created a authorized loophole since Kiwi gamers have entry to playing websites that don’t pay taxes to New Zealand and don’t should adjust to native client safety legal guidelines.
To make issues even trickier, New Zealand has additional restricted offshore sports activities betting. In 2023, TAB NZ partnered with international playing large Entain, and the New Zealand authorities responded by tightening restrictions on unlicensed offshore sports activities books—primarily handing TAB a monopoly on authorized on-line sports activities betting.
What Kiwi Gamers Are Allowed to Do
New Zealanders can freely gamble on offshore on line casino web sites. All main offshore casinos enable Kiwis to register, play, and even deposit credit in New Zealand {dollars} (NZD).
Nevertheless, there are some dangers concerned when utilizing these worldwide web sites:
- Offshore casinos don’t should comply with native security guidelines
- Native authorities received’t have your again in case something goes unsuitable
- These websites don’t contribute to the native financial system by well being or group programmes
In the case of what locals can’t do, it boils right down to establishing your individual playing web site in New Zealand. So, in case you are not Lotto NZ or TAB NZ, you’ll be able to’t run your individual native on-line playing or betting operation.
A New Legislation Is Coming: On-line Playing Invoice
The Kiwi authorities introduced in 2025 that it plans to revamp the present on-line playing legal guidelines. In July 2025, a invoice that may enable authorized on-line casinos in New Zealand handed its first vote. If voted into legislation, the invoice will enable the federal government to concern 15 on-line on line casino licenses to varied operators. This can be an enormous shift from the present place, as a result of it should enable on-line casinos to be run legally from New Zealand for the primary time.
What We Know Concerning the New Licensing Plan for Playing Websites
15 Licenses Will Be Up for Grabs
The federal government plans to concern 15 licenses, with every one legitimate for 3 years, after which they are often renewed. To get licensed, the businesses might want to comply with strict guidelines, together with:
- Preserve gamers secure
- Supply truthful video games
- Observe accountable playing
A number of the firms anticipated to use embrace:
- SkyCity
- TAB NZ
- 888
- Bet365
- Betway (SuperGroup Manufacturers)
- LeoVegas Group
- Christchurch On line casino
- Grand On line casino Dunedin
The federal government plans to concern the licenses in early 2026. As soon as authorized, the brand new casinos may go stay by the top of 2026.
Taxation and Liabilities for Casinos
The invoice contains vital taxation and legal responsibility updates:
- A 15% items and providers tax (GST)
- A 12% responsibility on offshore playing income
- A 1.24% charge to help playing assist providers
- Fines of as much as NZ$5 million for rule breakers
Promoting may also be managed. On-line casinos won’t be allowed to focus on youthful people or use social media influencers of their advertising and marketing drives. They may also have to confirm every participant’s age and supply accountable playing instruments to all who ask for assist.
TAB NZ Has Limits
Whereas TAB NZ can apply for a licence, it doubtless received’t be allowed to supply on-line on line casino video games and can be restricted to sports activities betting. Meaning different firms can be given an opportunity to enter the market, which is able to foster wholesome competitors.
Professionals and Cons of the New Legislation
As with every new legislation, there can be some execs and cons.
Advantages
- Extra playing cash stays in New Zealand
- Safer choices for gamers inside a regulated enjoying setting
- Gamers can search assist from the native regulators when a problem with an operator arises
Challenges
- The plan will take a while to roll out
- Native firms could battle to compete with massive international manufacturers
- The licence bidding course of isn’t absolutely clear but
What This Means for You
In case you are a Kiwi participant who enjoys on-line playing, listed here are three issues that you’ll want to know:
- You’ll be able to play at offshore playing websites for New Zealand, since that is at the moment authorized for the participant. Ensure they’re at the least licensed out of respected jurisdictions like Malta, UK or Gibraltar
- Presently, an organization can’t run an area on-line on line casino until you’re Lotto NZ or TAB NZ.
- New Zealand will doubtless legalise on-line casinos based mostly within the nation to make issues safer and simpler for native gamers.
So, whilst you watch for the brand new legislation, be certain to play at trusted offshore playing websites. And preserve an eye fixed out for giant adjustments which can be doubtless coming your approach in 2026.
