New Zealand opens Expressions of Interest for online casino gambling licences.
For operators weighing up New Zealand, the time to prepare is now.
On 16 July 2026, the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) published its public notice inviting Expressions of Interest (EOI) for online casino gambling licences under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026. This is stage one of a three-stage process to establish New Zealand's first regulated online casino market - the most significant shift in NZ gambling law in more than two decades.
What's on offer
Up to 15 licences, allocated through a competitive process (no single operator may hold or influence more than three)
An extraterritorial regime - a licence is required to serve NZ-based players regardless of where the operator is based
Minimum capital access of NZ$7.5 million
An EOI fee of NZ$19,000
Who this is for
Online casino operators considering the New Zealand market, both new entrants and existing offshore operators currently serving NZ customers. Only operators with an accepted EOI proceed to the auction stage (expected September 2026), which is the gateway to the full licence application. Existing unlicensed operators need to apply before 1 December 2026 or exit the market.
What you need to do
Register on GETS (gets.govt.nz) early - the platform is administered by MBIE, and registration can take time
Review all EOI guidance, forms and information requirements published on GETS
Prepare your disclosures: ownership and management structure, key officers, brand and platform, intended community contributions, source and amount of capital, and probity/background matters (a seven-year lookback), supported by documentation such as credit and criminal-record checks, certified ID and verification of available capital
Submit any questions through GETS - questions sent via other channels won't be answered
Complete and lodge your EOI through GETS before it closes
Key dates
16 July 2026 - Public notice inviting EOIs
17 July 2026 - EOI forms and information requirements available on GETS
5.00pm, 31 July 2026 - Deadline for questions via GETS
5.00pm, 5 August 2026 - DIA responses to questions published on GETS
14 August 2026 - EOI closes
With a tight timeline and a capped, competitive licence pool, well-prepared early submissions will count. If you're assessing the New Zealand opportunity, or working through what it means for your existing operations, our team is happy to talk through the process, the requirements and the strategic considerations.
About Senet
Senet is a multidisciplinary Australian firm specialising in gambling and gaming law, regulatory compliance, and business advisory services. We are the largest specialist team in Australia and based in Victoria. Recognised globally as experts in our field, we understand Australia’s complex gaming legal and regulatory landscape, enabling us to guide clients through their compliance requirements across each state and territory. Our clients range from start-ups to publicly listed global operators, both nationally and internationally. Our team is deeply immersed in the industry, often sharing insights at public speaking events, and our principals have held executive roles in a global ASX-listed entity and a 'Big Four' advisory firm, giving us a unique perspective on the challenges our clients face.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss the topics covered in this article, please contact the team at Senet.
