19 June 2026
Kia ora,
We are pleased to share an update on several key components of the online casino gambling licensing framework. This includes the use of the registration icon and audio mark, confirmed requirements relating to minimum capital, financial viability assessments and AML/CFT guidance.
Registration icon and audio mark
Under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, and to support transparency and public trust, all licensed operators will be required to use a registration icon (a visual symbol) and a registration audio mark (a distinctive sound). These identifiers are intended to help customers recognise licensed operators and make informed choices. They will also support channelisation by clearly distinguishing regulated offerings in the New Zealand market, particularly given the limited number of licences available.
Further detailed specifications and requirements will be provided later in the year, to support consistent implementation across all platforms. In the interim, to provide certainty for potential operators, we can confirm the following high-level requirements:
Where and how they must be displayed
Platforms
Online platforms (websites). The registration icon must be clearly displayed when each page first loads, without requiring user interaction. This includes homepages and account or login pages. The registration icon must link directly to each operator’s licence details on the official public register.
- Applications (apps). The registration icon must be displayed on the launch (splash) screen and on key screens, including game listings and account information.
Advertising
- In audio-visual advertising, both the registration icon and the audio mark must be used
- In visual-only advertising, the registration icon must be used
- In audio-only advertising, the audio mark must be used
What this means for potential operators
These requirements align with approaches used in comparable jurisdictions, while being tailored to the New Zealand context.
Further detailed specifications and requirements will be provided later in the year, including requirements for size, placement, accessibility, and the use of different versions of the audio mark. Following the conclusion of the auction, our intent is to engage with incoming potential operators to finalise the requirements.
Providing this early clarity is intended to support potential operators in understanding the expected requirements and preparing any necessary updates to platforms and advertising materials ahead of licensing.
Minimum capital requirements
As part of the upcoming Expression of Interest (EOI) process, submitters seeking an online casino licence will be required to demonstrate access to a minimum level of capital.
The requirement has been set at NZD $7.5 million.
This threshold has been set to ensure an appropriate balance between market integrity and accessibility. It is intended to:
- Ensure readiness: Operators have sufficient financial resources to participate in the licensing process and establish their operations
- Support serious participation: The requirement helps discourage speculative or underprepared applications
- Enable competition: The level is set to allow capable operators to enter the market without creating unnecessary barrier
Financial viability assessment
As part of the licensing process, all applicants will be required to submit a business plan outlining how they intend to operate an online casino in New Zealand. This includes information on their business objectives, the structure of their management and operations, and financial position.
This information will be used to assess each applicant’s financial viability and their ability to meet the duties and requirements of the Act.
The assessment approach we are taking applies a tiered framework. It takes into account an applicant’s experience operating in regulated jurisdictions.
A tiered assessment approach
Applicants will be assessed under one of three tiers:
Tier 1
Applicants who already hold a licence in a comparable regulated market will undergo a high-level financial assessment, focused on their historical financial performance. This will typically include a review of audited financial statements, management accounts, and financial trends.
Tier 2
Applicants that do not hold a licence in a comparable jurisdiction, but are part of a wider group that does, will undergo a high-level assessment of both the entity and guarantor. This will include consideration of their proposed New Zealand operating structure and any reliance on related entities for financial support.
Where potential risks or gaps are identified, further detailed assessment may be required.
Tier 3
Applicants who do not hold a licence, are not part of a group that holds a licence in a comparable jurisdiction, or where risks are identified in Tier 2, will undergo a more detailed assessment of financial viability and projections. This includes examination of corporate structure, capital backing, financial performance, forecasts, and the ability to meet key obligations such as customer payouts and management of customer funds.
What this means for applicants
The level of detail required will depend on the tier an applicant is placed in, with the type and amount of supporting documentation requested reflecting the applicant’s specific situation and the level of assessment.
This approach is designed to:
- Align the level of scrutiny with the applicant’s experience and risk profile
- Provide a clear and structured assessment process
- Ensure all licensed operators are financially capable of operating sustainably and meeting regulatory obligations
Applicants should consider how their structure, experience, and financial position may influence the level of assessment when preparing their Expression of interest.
Further details on the financial viability assessment and documentation requirements will be provided as part of the EOI process.
AML/CFT guidance
The Department has published AML/CFT Guidance for online casino operators as well as the AML/CFT Online Gambling Sector Risk Assessment to support preparation for the licensed online casino market under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026.
This work outlines key risks and helps future operators understand their obligations under the AML/CFT Act 2009, including what will be required as part of the licensing process.
Two key documents are available:
These resources are available on the AML/CFT Sector Risk Assessments page.
You can expect to hear from us again shortly regarding the release of the finalised Minimum Standards for Online Casino Gambling Technology, along with supporting materials. These will help explain how the standards align with the recently released regulations, summarise the key themes raised during consultation, and outline what has changed in the standards as a result.
There will be more detailed guidance coming on these topics which is scheduled for release in July. This will provide a comprehensive overview in one place, ensuring you have clear, consistent and practical guidance to support your application.
Ngā mihi nui,
Trina Lowry
Programme Director - Online Gambling Implementation
