28 July 2026
Kia ora,
A reminder that the request for expressions of interest (EOI) for those seeking to participate in the online casino licensing process under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 is open on the Government Electronic Tenders (GETS) website until 14 August 2026.
We encourage all potential operators to review the opportunity and submit their EOI before the closing date. GETS contains the full details, guidance and requirements, and instructions for submission.
Questions received to date
All questions relating to the EOI process must be submitted through GETS. To ensure all registered stakeholders have equitable access to information, we will continue to share responses to questions received via GETS where the information is relevant to other interested parties.
Questions and responses to date
Q: We would appreciate further guidance regarding the specific requirements for independent testing laboratories to enter the market. Could you please provide information on the necessary documentation and the formal steps required to obtain authorization to operate within New Zealand?
A: The Department is still developing the testing requirements to be specified under Section 80(11) of the Online Casino Gambling Act. We anticipate further information will be released ahead of the auction.
Q: Section 121 of the Gambling Act 2003 allows only the holder of a casino licence* to use in their branding the word “casino”. Does this prohibit operators conducting online casino gambling in New Zealand using the word casino in their branding?
A: The Department's view is that operators are not prohibited from using the word "casino" in their branding when conducting online casino gambling in New Zealand. Section 121 of the Gambling Act 2003 applies to branding that conveys the impression that a “place” is a casino and accessible to the public. The Department considers that an online gambling platform is not a "place" for the purposes of the Gambling Act 2003. Accordingly, the Department's view is that the restriction in section 121 does not apply.
Reminder: questions close this Friday
The period for submitting questions will close at 5.00pm NZST on Friday, 31 July 2026.
Interested parties are encouraged to submit any outstanding questions through GETS before this deadline to ensure they can be considered and responded to.
We will respond to all questions received by the deadline by 5.00pm NZST on Wednesday, 5 August 2026.
Thank you for your continued interest in the online casino licensing process. We look forward to receiving expressions of interest from those interested in participating in the competitive licensing process and taking the first step toward securing a licence under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026.
Ngā mihi nui,
Trina Lowry
Programme Director - Online Gambling Implementation
