New Zealand online casino licensing transition

The current transition deadline

The transition applies to providers already serving people in New Zealand when the law took effect on 1 May 2026. DIA says they may continue without advertising during the transition. For a provider that does not apply in time, the exemption ends on 1 December 2026.

Schedule 1 sets two possible end dates for a qualifying existing provider that files before 1 December 2026. The exemption ends the day after the Secretary notifies the applicant of a grant or refusal, or on 1 June 2027 if that comes first.

Who won the right to apply?

On 13 October 2026, DIA published the names of 11 entities awarded 15 application rights. Baytree Interactive Limited won three. Playvia Gaming (NZ) Limited and Rock Swift Group Limited won two each.

Eight entities won one right each: Christchurch Online NZ Limited, One Casino Limited, Rush Entertainment Limited, Skill On Net Limited, SkyCity NZ Online NO1 Limited, SkyCity NZ Online NO2 Limited, Stake New Zealand Limited, TAB New Zealand.

This is the auction result. It does not establish that a company filed an application, qualifies to continue operating during the transition or received a licence. DIA did not identify the consumer brands in the auction announcement.

Check the granted brand and website

DIA says brands will be publicly registered after licences are granted. This guide has not established an issued licence or an exact approved operator website, so it provides no positive domain result.

Sports betting follows separate rules

Since 28 June 2025, DIA says only TAB NZ may offer online sports betting to people located in New Zealand. That rule does not grant TAB NZ or any of its brands an online casino licence.