New Zealand is replacing its offshore grey market with a licensed system of up to 15 online casinos. Advertising online casinos to New Zealanders is banned, and operators without a licence application must stop serving the country. Playing is not an offence for individuals.
- Up to 15 licensed online casinos, overseen by the Department of Internal Affairs
- Advertising online casinos to New Zealand is banned
- Operators without a licence application must leave the market
- Help: Gambling Helpline, 0800 654 655
On this page
Online casinos in New Zealand are going through the biggest change in twenty years. For a long time, Kiwis could play at offshore casinos while no New Zealand operator was allowed to offer online casino games. A new law now replaces that grey market with a licensed system. This guide explains what has changed, what it means if you play on your phone and where to get help.
Please note: advertising online casino gambling to people in New Zealand is prohibited, so this page doesn’t list, rank or link to online casinos.
Are online casinos legal in New Zealand?
Under the Gambling Act, online casino gambling run from within New Zealand has never been allowed. The law did not stop New Zealanders from playing at overseas websites, which is why offshore casinos served the country for years.
The Online Casino Gambling Act changes this. It creates a licensed market of up to 15 online casino operators, awarded by auction and overseen by the Department of Internal Affairs. Any operator that lets people in New Zealand play online casino games needs a licence, wherever the company is based.
Key dates and rules
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| Advertising ban | Since 1 May, online casino advertising aimed at New Zealand is banned, with penalties of up to NZ$5 million. |
| Transition period | Offshore casinos that already served New Zealand could continue until 1 December. |
| From 1 December | Operators without a licence application must stop offering online casino games to New Zealanders. |
| Licences | Up to 15 licences, with the first expected after the licensing process is completed. |
| Players | Playing is not an offence for individuals; the rules target operators and advertisers. |
What this means for players
- Some sites will leave: casinos that haven’t applied for a licence must stop serving New Zealand. Withdraw your balance in time if your casino announces it is leaving.
- Fewer offers: because of the advertising ban, you will see far fewer bonus offers and casino ads.
- Better protection later: licensed operators will have to meet harm-minimisation and consumer-protection rules, and will be listed in a public register.
- Check the register: once licences are issued, check that a casino holds a New Zealand licence before you deposit.
Sports betting, lotto and other legal options
Online sports and racing betting remains the exclusive domain of TAB NZ, which is also available as an app. Lotto NZ sells lottery tickets online. Land-based casinos and pokie machines in pubs and clubs are regulated separately under the Gambling Act.
Free casino apps
Free social casino apps from the App Store and Google Play are legal in New Zealand, as long as you can’t win money or prizes. You play with virtual coins and can buy extra coins in the app. Set a spending limit in your Apple or Google account to keep in-app purchases under control. Our review of the Zynga Poker app shows how a free poker app works.
Risks of offshore casinos
Until licences are issued, any online casino you use is licensed outside New Zealand. That means no local regulator to turn to if a withdrawal is refused, and no guarantee the site will keep serving New Zealand. Keep balances low, read the withdrawal terms and avoid sites that ask you to use a VPN.
Responsible gambling and help
- Gambling Helpline: free, confidential support around the clock on 0800 654 655, or text 8006.
- Limits: set deposit limits with your operator and spending limits in your app store account.
- Self-exclusion: ask your operator to exclude you, and use blocking software on your devices if you want extra help.
Frequently asked questions
Are online casinos legal in New Zealand?
New Zealand is moving to a licensed system with up to 15 online casino operators. Playing is not an offence for individuals, but operators need a New Zealand licence, and those without a licence application must stop serving New Zealanders.
Can I still play at offshore casinos?
Only casinos with a licence application under way may continue to serve New Zealand. Others must stop, so check your casino’s announcements and withdraw your balance in time.
Why don't you list online casinos for New Zealand?
Advertising online casino gambling to people in New Zealand is prohibited, so we don’t list or link to online casinos for New Zealand players.
Is online sports betting legal in New Zealand?
Yes, through TAB NZ, which holds the exclusive right to offer sports and racing betting.
Where can I get help with gambling in New Zealand?
Call the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 or text 8006, at any time.
Gambling should be entertainment. Set deposit and time limits before you play, take breaks, and use self-exclusion if you need it. Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 655 (24/7)