Gambling Law
Reviewed by Liam Thompson
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Each week, our expert editorial team and in-house reviewers—trusted by more than 12,000 visitors—evaluate four online casinos through real-money testing. As mystery shoppers, they experience everything from sign-up to cash-out, delivering honest, player-focused insights. Our ratings are grounded in these firsthand reviews and supported by in-depth research into each casino’s background, legal compliance, and reputation within New Zealand’s online gaming community.
Gambling should be fun—not a source of income. Play responsibly by setting limits, managing your budget, and never chasing losses. If youre in New Zealand and need help, free and confidential support is available 24/7 from Gambling Helpline NZ at 0800 654 655 or gamblinghelpline.co.nz.
The online casinos listed on this site are intended for players aged 20 and over. In New Zealand, the legal gambling age is 20, as specified in the Gambling Act 2003 and its amendments. Individuals caught gambling underage may face fines of up to NZ$500. If youre visiting from outside New Zealand, please adhere to the legal gambling age in your country.
New Zealand’s gambling landscape is undergoing significant changes. As of June 28, 2025, the country has implemented a monopoly on online sports and racing betting, granting exclusive rights to TAB New Zealand. This means that New Zealanders can only legally place bets on these events through TAB NZ, and engaging with offshore operators for such activities is now prohibited. (source)
However, the situation for online casinos is evolving. On June 30, 2025, the Online Casino Gambling Bill was introduced in Parliament, aiming to establish a regulated online casino market. This bill proposes:
- Issuance of up to 15 licenses for online casino operators.
- Implementation of harm minimization measures and consumer protection regulations.
- Prohibition of unlicensed online casinos from operating in New Zealand starting July 1, 2026.
Until the new regulations come into effect, New Zealanders may still access offshore online casinos. However, these platforms are unregulated locally, which can pose risks related to player protection and fair play.
Classes of Gambling in New Zealand
New Zealand law classifies gambling activities into four categories based on prize size and turnover:
- Class 1: No license required; for low-stake, low-risk gambling.
- Class 2: No license required; for low-stake, low-risk gambling.
- Class 3: Requires a license; for medium-stake gambling.
- Class 4: Requires a license; for high-stake gambling.
Classes 1 and 2 do not require a license if the proceeds are used for charitable purposes and no commission is taken.
Player Protection and Responsible Gambling
The New Zealand government is committed to minimizing gambling harm. The Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm 2025/26 to 2027/28 outlines initiatives to:
- Promote public health by preventing and minimizing gambling harm.
- Provide services to treat and assist problem gamblers and their families.
- Conduct independent scientific research related to gambling.
Licensed online casinos will be required to contribute a percentage of their profits to the problem gambling levy, supporting these initiatives. (source)
Looking Ahead
The introduction of the Online Casino Gambling Bill marks a significant step towards a regulated online gambling environment in New Zealand. As the legislation progresses, it’s essential for players to stay informed about the changes and choose platforms that will operate within the new legal framework.
For more information on the upcoming regulations and how they may affect your online gaming experience, visit the Department of Internal Affairs website.
Responsible Gambling Resources
