17 July 2026
Kia ora,
We are pleased to announce that the expression of interest (EOI) process for obtaining an online casino licence under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 is now open. The formal gazette notice is available at Online Casino Gambling Invitation to Submit an Expression of Interest Notice 2026 - 2026-go3856 | New Zealand Gazette.
EOI is the first step for potential operators interested in participating in the online casino licensing process. All EOI documents, guidance, and submission requirements are available through the Government Electronic Tenders Service (GETS) portal.
Key dates
Public notice of invitation for EOI: 16 July 2026
EOI forms and information requirements available on GETS: 17 July 2026
Deadline for questions through GETS: 5.00pm, 31 July 2026
Deadline for the Department to respond to questions: 5.00pm, 5 August 2026
EOI closes: 14 August 2026
EOI documentation
The GETS page contains all information required to complete an EOI submission, including:
- EOI guidance and instructions
- Expression of interest forms
- Information requirements
You should carefully review all documentation and ensure all required forms are completed and submitted through GETS before the closing date.
Questions during the EOI process
To ensure a fair, transparent, and consistent process for all participants, all questions relating to the EOI must be submitted through GETS.
Please note:
- Questions submitted through other channels cannot be responded to.
- The deadline for questions is 5.00pm, 31 July 2026.
- Responses will be published through GETS by 5.00pm, 5 August 2026.
- Questions and answers will be made available to all registered EOI participants through GETS.
We encourage all potential operators to regularly monitor GETS for updates and published responses throughout the EOI period.
Support with GETS
If you require assistance registering for GETS, guidance is available on the Online Gambling Resources - dia.govt.nz page.
We encourage you to register and familiarise yourself with the platform as early as possible to help avoid delays when preparing and submitting an EOI.
The GETS platform can occasionally be slow to respond. If you experience delays, refreshing your browser may help. We recommend allowing extra time when completing your registration or submitting EOI documents.
If you need support with GETS, contact the GETS Helpdesk on 0508 GETS HELP (0508 438 743), International +64 4 901 3188, or email info@gets.govt.nz.
Please note that GETS is administered by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE), and not by the Department of Internal Affairs.
Final public Q&A published
The final batch of publicly available pre-EOI questions and answers has now been published on our website:
Online Gambling FAQs - dia.govt.nz
As outlined above, all questions and communications regarding EOI must be submitted through GETS while the process remains open. We will be able to publish on our website Q&As asked through the EOI process that are relevant to other parties so that they’re visible to all.
For those not participating in the licensing process, thank you for your interest. We will provide further information on opportunities to engage once the auction phase (stage two of the licensing process) has been completed.
Thank you for your interest in the Online Gambling Implementation programme. We look forward to engaging with potential operators through the EOI process and keeping stakeholders informed as the licensing process progresses.
Ngā mihi nui,
Trina Lowry
Programme Director - Online Gambling Implementation
