New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs has begun accepting applications for online casino licenses, marking a significant milestone in the country's newly regulated iGaming market. Up to 15 licenses are available, and operators interested in applying must submit their applications through the Government Electronic Tenders Service by August 14. The fee for application is set at NZD 19,000 (approximately USD 11,082).
The application process is structured to allow each operator to request a maximum of three licenses. To qualify, applicants need to demonstrate that they have at least NZD 7.5 million (around USD 4.38 million) in capital. Additionally, they are required to submit identity verification documents, a credit report, confirmation of a clean criminal record, proof of financial capability, and details regarding any previous regulatory breaches or legal conflicts.
Entain, a well-known gaming operator, is among those expected to seek licenses, planning to apply for the maximum of three. This licensing framework stems from the Online Gambling Act, which has established a legal basis for regulating online casino activities in New Zealand for the first time. While some operators have advocated for a quicker entry into the market, regulators emphasize that the current timeline is designed to ensure comprehensive assessments of operators, prioritize consumer protection, and mitigate gambling-related harm before launching online casino services.
