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Gambling System Update
21 July 2026
Kia ora,
It’s hard to believe that we’re already halfway through 2026, and it’s a good opportunity to look back at some the highlights. In the first half of the year we’ve progressed a suite of ongoing public consultations, developed and published resources and guidance for the sector, and made significant progress with the Online Casino Gambling Implementation programme. There’s also plenty to look forward to in the second half of the year.
Effectively engaging with the sector remains a key focus for us in 2026, as highlighted by our ongoing series of venue operator workshops. These workshops have been extremely successful, with each session providing us unique insight and helping to shape what our engagement will look like in the future. We’ve also had opportunities to speak to and connect with you at other gambling sector events, like the 2026 Clubs New Zealand Conference in New Plymouth where Vicki Scott presented on behalf of DIA.
One thing we are particularly excited about is the new Spotlight on Grants section of the Gambling System Update. This is an amazing chance for us to shine a light on community projects and initiatives made possible through your society’s grants, so please make sure you send in your submissions. Read the details of how to send yours in below.
Ngā mihi nui,
Ben Gamboni
Acting Gambling Director
New Gambling Guidance Published
Financial compliance guidance for class 4 societies
We have recently published a suite of class 4 Societies guidance on our website around financial compliance, and how to report for class 4 entities.
Please feel free to share these with your accountants and auditors.
Updated Harm Minimisation and Prevention Guidance
In April we updated the Gambling Harm Prevention and Minimisation Guidance, to help the class 4 sector understand and meet their obligations under the Gambling (Harm Prevention and Minimisation) Amendments Regulations 2023.
The updated guidance provides detailed information on regulatory requirements relating to:
- Monitoring for signs of harm
- Record keeping and review
- Required venue design changes
- Problem gambling awareness changes
The guidance clearly defines each regulation and makes recommendations for how best to stay compliant for each one.
Visit our website to read the full guidance, and to find out more about Gambling Harm Prevention and Minimisation.
Online Casino Gambling Update
The expression of interest (EOI) process for obtaining an online casino licence under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 is now open, following the publication of a formal invitation to participate. This is the first step for potential providers interested in participating in the licensing process, who can submit an Expression of Interest through GETS.
Earlier in June, the Government released the Online Casino Gambling Regulations 2026, forming another piece of the regulatory landscape that will enable New Zealand’s licensed online casino market. The regulations set out the rules for licensed operators conducting online casino gambling, specifically covering:
- harm prevention and minimisation
- consumer protection and record-keeping
- advertising and marketing
- fees, levies and charges.
The Minimum Standards and detailed guidance documents relating to harm prevention and minimisation, and consumer protection are available on our website. Further guidance on the advertising regulations and other legislative matters such as fees, levies and charges can be expected in the coming weeks.
To access this information, visit information for providers on the OGI section of our website or register your interest to receive updates directly from the programme.
Asking us questions
Now that the three-stage licensing process has started, those participating will be able to submit question through the Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS) website. This is the platform we will use to manage the entire licensing process.
We will not respond individually to questions. Answers will be published on GETS so that participants receive the same information at the same time. If we receive questions relevant to all parties interested in the programme, these will be made available on our website so that they’re visible to all.
Gambling Act Amendments
On 6 June the Regulatory Standards (Internal Affairs) Amendment Act 2026 came into effect. This omnibus legislation made changes to several Acts administered by the Department, including the Gambling Act. Those changes address anomalies and redundant parts of the Gambling Act, as well as amendments to achieve efficiencies.
Some of these changes include:
- A change to section 86 to clarify that only gaming machines in class 4 venues must be connected to the Electronic Monitoring System.
- Changes to section 92 and 93 clarify that the model and serial numbers of gaming machines are no longer required as licence conditions. While gaming machine changes at venues will still require a licence amendment, the Department will not have to issue a new licence each time a machine change is made.
- An amendment to section 102 so that territorial authorities must publish their class 4 venue policy on their website and no longer need to send it to the us.
- A change to section 301 so that no Lotto NZ products can be sold to persons under 18 years old.
- Changes to section 313 and 314 so that regulations prescribing the use of pro-commitment, player tracking or other harm minimisation technology can be made for both casinos and class 4 venues.
View the full Amendment Act (including all changes) online at legislation.govt.nz.
Current Consultations
Following our consultations in February and March 2026 on proposed changes to the class 4 Electronic Monitoring System (EMS) QCOM minimum standards, we are seeking feedback on further changes to the draft QCOM minimum standards.
The proposed changes incorporate requirements for an API interface to enable third party access to gaming machine meter and event data. Intralot’s draft interface protocol is also provided for your feedback.
Visit the DIA website for full details on consultations, including all consultation documents and due dates for feedback.
Updated Baccarat Game Rules
Following our public consultation earlier in the year, we have published an updated version of the Baccarat Game Rules: Division 5.
This update introduces a new game variant (Dragon Tiger Baccarat), and a new rule 17.3A specifying layout cloth requirements for Tiger Baccarat.
Check out the latest Granted data
The latest tranche of class 4 gambling funding data, highlighting how grants were distributed throughout 2025, is now available on the Granted website.
In 2025:
- $340 million was granted to communities
- 9,419 organisations received funding
- Sport remained the largest recipient, receiving $175 million
- $86 million was granted in Auckland, $29 million in Wellington, and $39 million in Canterbury
Class 4 Venue Workshops
Our venue workshops continue to be well received, and we value the opportunity to get out and see you in person. In the past couple of months we’ve met with class 4 venue operators and societies at workshops in Dunedin and Rotorua, and appreciate contributions of everyone there – the korero was invaluable in making the sessions both productive and insightful.
Your feedback and perspectives continue to give us a deeper understanding of the industry and will help shape our future initiatives.
At our next workshop we will be meeting with venue operators from Gisborne, Wairoa and Opotiki. We look forward to seeing you there!
Clubs New Zealand Conference 2026
Vicki Scott, Director Gambling at DIA, spoke at the 2026 Clubs New Zealand Conference in New Plymouth in March, where she gave attendees an update on the industry and regulations, technology, licensing, and our engagement approach for 2026.
It was great to meet and connect with attendees there, and we hope you came away with something valuable.
(Left-Right)- Vicki Scott – Director Gambling, Neove Christoforou – Senior Advisor Engagement, and Imogen McIvor – Senior Gambling Regulator at the Clubs NZ Conference
Director, Gambling Vicki Scott on stage presenting at the Clubs NZ Conference 2026
Reg Talk NZ - DIA's Regulatory Podcast
If you haven’t already be sure to check out Reg Talk NZ, our new regulatory podcast covering gambling, anti-money laundering and charities regulation in Aotearoa.
Recent gambling-centric episodes include “explainers” on the Poker rules – to help both players and hosts make sure that their games are above-board – and the classes of gambling more broadly, as well as an interview with Gambling Director Vicki Scott and Online Gambling Implementation Programme Director Trina Lowry about the Online Gambling Act 2026.
Check us out on the Reg Talk website, or search for it on your podcast app of choice. Don’t forget to subscribe and keep an eye out for more gambling-related content!
Seeking Grants Funding Stories
We’re looking for stories that shine a light on community projects funded by gambling society grants across the country, and feature them in a new ‘Spotlight’ section in future editions of this newsletter.
We’re keen to hear about initiatives made possible through your society’s grants – whether that’s supporting a local sports team, helping to build a new community facility or funding an awesome community event – anything that has made a positive impact locally.
If you’re interested in sharing some of your funding stories with us, flick us an email at gambling@dia.govt.nz with the subject line “GSU Spotlight”.
We want to present a wide range of stories, covering all types of community initiatives from across the regions. We welcome your submissions and will be in touch directly with contributors whose stories are selected for publication.
We’re excited to hear more about how your society’s grants have made a difference in your communities!
