Gambling Law

How we Rate

Our in-house review team, trusted by over 12,000 readers, evaluates four online casinos every week. Each reviewer acts as a mystery shopper, making real deposits to assess the casino from a true player’s perspective. Our ratings reflect their firsthand experiences, supported by thorough research into the casino’s background, terms and conditions, and overall reputation among New Zealand players.

Gambling Responsibility

Gambling should be an enjoyable and entertaining activity. If you decide to play, always gamble responsibly. Set personal limits, stick to your budget, and never chase losses. In New Zealand, support is available—reach out to Gambling Helpline NZ at 0800 654 655 or visit gamblinghelpline.co.nz for free, confidential assistance anytime, 24/7.

20+

The online casinos featured on this website are intended for players aged 20 and over. In New Zealand, the legal gambling age is 20, as established by the Gambling Act 2003 and its amendments. Individuals found gambling underage may face fines of up to NZ$500. If you're accessing this site from outside New Zealand, please ensure you follow your local regulations regarding the legal gambling age.

✍️ Written by: Jason Dunfield

✅ Reviewed by: Hannah Cutajar

New Zealand’s gambling landscape is undergoing significant changes. As of June 28, 2025, online sports and racing betting is exclusively available through TAB New Zealand. Engaging with offshore operators for these activities is now prohibited. (advennt.com)

For online casinos, the Online Casino Gambling Bill was introduced on June 30, 2025, proposing a regulated market with the following key points:

  • Licensing: Up to 15 licenses available for foreign operators.
  • Consumer Protection: Implementation of harm minimization measures and consumer protection regulations.
  • Enforcement: Ban on unlicensed operators from July 1, 2026. (yogonet.com)

Until these regulations take effect, New Zealanders may still access offshore online casinos. However, these platforms are unregulated locally, which can pose risks related to player protection and fair play.

Classes of Gambling in New Zealand

New Zealand law classifies gambling activities into four categories based on prize size and turnover:

  • Class 1: No license required; for low-stake, low-risk gambling.
  • Class 2: No license required; for low-stake, low-risk gambling.
  • Class 3: Requires a license; for medium-stake gambling.
  • Class 4: Requires a license; for high-stake gambling.

💡 Classes 1 & 2 are exempt from licensing only if no commission is taken and proceeds go to charity. (gamblinglaw.co.nz)

Player Protection and Responsible Gambling

The New Zealand government is committed to minimizing gambling harm. The Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm 2025/26 to 2027/28 outlines initiatives to:

  • Promote public health by preventing and minimizing gambling harm.
  • Provide services to treat and assist problem gamblers and their families.
  • Conduct independent scientific research related to gambling.

Licensed online casinos will be required to contribute a percentage of their profits to the problem gambling levy, supporting these initiatives. (gamblinglaw.co.nz)

Looking Ahead

The introduction of the Online Casino Gambling Bill marks a significant step towards a regulated online gambling environment in New Zealand. As the legislation progresses, it’s essential for players to stay informed about the changes and choose platforms that will operate within the new legal framework.

For more information on the upcoming regulations and how they may affect your online gaming experience, visit the Department of Internal Affairs website.

Responsible Gambling Resources

Jason Dunfield

Jason Dunfield

Hey, I’m Jason Dunfield — former casino support grunt, ex-compliance analyst, and now the guy who tears online casinos apart so you don’t get fleeced. Since 2018 I’ve been knee-deep in NZ gambling law, RNG fairness checks, and bonus T&C autopsies. I sign up, deposit, play, withdraw (or try to), and report exactly what happens — no press releases, no PR spin. If a site hides traps in the fine print or ghosts you when you win, I’ll drag it into the daylight.

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