New Zealand Delays iGaming Launch to Early 2027 with New Regulations

The regulated iGaming market in New Zealand is expected to launch in early 2027. The first iGaming licenses in New Zealand, including those for online poker, are set to be issued on December 1, 2026.

The Online Casino Gambling Bill in New Zealand aims to create a comprehensive government-controlled iGaming market. The Bill will include a 4% community-funding provision to help various sports organizations and community initiatives. The government has listened carefully to a series of concerns raised around problem gambling, and is dedicated to “reducing gambling harm first and foremost.”

The Bill will bring online gambling under government control for the first time in New Zealand’s history, with a total of 15 iGaming licenses up for grabs. The iGaming operators will pay the goods and services tax, along with a 12% international gambling duty, a 1.24% levy to fund initiatives against gambling harm, and the 4% community funding contribution. The new community funding provision that’s being added to the Online Casino Gambling Bill comes as a result of consultations with over 5,000 entities.