The New Zealand Online Casino Gambling Bill (Bill) is now at the Second Reading stage of the parliamentary process. If it passes this stage, it will go to a committee of the whole House, it will then be read for a third time and voted on. If the bill is passed it will progress for Royal Assent. The New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has published an updated timeline on the anticipated commencement of the Bill and the licensing process. At present, the DIA anticipates that the Bill will pass into law and commence on 1 May 2026.

New Zealand government’s Minister of Internal Affairs, Hon Brooke van Velden, has released the Cabinet paper and associated materials relating to the Online Casino Gambling Bill. The Cabinet paper addressed the main concern that came up during the select committee process, in which nearly 4,000 submissions advocated for community returns to be included in the Bill.

On 30 June 2025, the New Zealand Government introduced the Online Casino Gambling Bill, which marks an important step towards regulation of online casinos in the jurisdiction.

NZ Online Gaming Reforms are set to address rise of international online casinos and the safety of consumers that access their services.

New Zealand proposed legislation will allow up to 15 licensed operators to legally offer online casino games to New Zealand citizens by April 2026.