FAQ’s

It is legal for New Zealanders to play at online casinos that were already serving the country on 1 May 2026. The DIA calls these transitional providers, and they may keep operating until 1 December 2026. After that, only operators that have applied for one of up to 15 new licences can offer online casino gambling to New Zealand customers.

No. Advertising unlicensed online casino gambling to people in New Zealand has been unlawful since 1 May 2026. The DIA has confirmed this includes affiliate sites that promote unlicensed online casinos, with penalties up to NZ$5 million.

The DIA scheduled its licence auction for 29 September 2026. Up to 15 auction winners can apply from October 2026, with applications due by 1 December 2026, and the DIA expects to start issuing licences in early 2027.

Casual gambling winnings are generally not treated the same way as normal employment income, but tax treatment can depend on individual circumstances. Professional advice is the safer option if your situation is unclear.

RTP is the long-term theoretical return to player, such as 96 percent, so the house keeps the rest over time. Variance describes volatility. High-variance games pay out less often but in bigger amounts, while low-variance games pay smaller amounts more often.

A requirement like 35x bonus means the bonus amount must be played through 35 times before it can be withdrawn. Slots often count fully, while table games may count only a small percentage or nothing.

No. Systems such as the Martingale change how bets are sized, not the odds of each bet. The house edge stays the same, and doubling after losses can exhaust a budget quickly.

Call the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 or free text 8006. Specialist lines include Māori (0800 654 656), Pasifika (0800 654 657), Gambling Debt (0800 654 658), and Youth (0800 654 659). You can also visit safergambling.org.nz or pgf.nz.

Self-exclusion is a request to be barred from a gambling venue or service for a set period. Our self-exclusion guide explains how it works at New Zealand venues.

Common signs include chasing losses, spending more than planned, borrowing to gamble, hiding gambling from others, and feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling. If any of these apply, free support is available.