The New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs has launched the expression of interest stage for fifteen new online casino licences. The submission window closes on 14 August 2026 as the first step of a three-part licensing procedure.
Application Framework and Financial Thresholds
According to the Department of Internal Affairs announcement and Entain's March earnings report, prospective operators must register through the GETS procurement portal and submit a non-refundable NZ$19,000 fee. Each company may hold a maximum of three licences and is required to demonstrate access to at least NZ$7.5 million in capital. The department mandates full disclosure of ownership structures, platform specifications, and verified financial records, alongside criminal background checks and a documented history of regulatory compliance.Procurement Timeline and Legislative Background
Following the current EOI stage, the department will conduct a licence auction in September, with a full application deadline set for October. Final approvals are scheduled for early 2027. Entain CEO Stella David stated during the company's FY/25 results call in March that the operator intends to apply for three of the available slots, planning to leverage its exclusive TAB sports betting brand for cross-category sales. The licensing cap and capital requirements are structured to limit market participation to established providers.The licensing process operates under the Online Casino Gambling Act, which parliament approved earlier this year to legalise and regulate the domestic online casino sector.