The Gambling Act 2003 is the cornerstone of New Zealand's gambling legislation, replacing the previous 1977 Gaming and Lotteries Act. This comprehensive law establishes the legal framework for all gambling activities in New Zealand, from casinos to pokies and lotteries.

The Act has four primary purposes: to control the growth of gambling, prevent and minimise harm from gambling, authorise certain types of gambling and prohibit others, and facilitate responsible gambling. It applies to all forms of gambling except the New Zealand Racing Board's activities, which are governed separately.

Under this legislation, the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) serves as the primary regulator, overseeing casino operations, non-casino gaming machines, and lottery activities. The DIA ensures operators comply with licensing requirements, maintain responsible gambling practices, and operate within the law's strict parameters.

New Zealand operates under a limited casino licence regime, with only six land-based casino licences permitted nationwide. These licences were grandfathered in from the previous Gaming and Lotteries Act, and no new casino licences can be issued unless an existing one is surrendered.

The six licensed casinos are SkyCity Auckland, SkyCity Hamilton, SkyCity Queenstown, Christchurch Casino, Dunedin Casino, and SkyCity Wharf Casino in Auckland. Each operates under strict conditions set by the DIA, including requirements for staff training, problem gambling programmes, and financial reporting.

Casino operators must comply with the Casino Control Act 2006, which works alongside the Gambling Act 2003 to regulate casino operations specifically. This includes maintaining high standards of integrity, preventing money laundering, and ensuring games are fair and transparent.

The Gambling Act 2003 takes a restrictive approach to online gambling. Under Section 9, it is illegal to provide online casino games, pokies, or sports betting to New Zealand residents from within NZ unless specifically exempted. The only exemptions apply to TAB NZ (racing and sports betting) and NZ Lotteries (lottery products like Lotto and Powerball).

While it's illegal for operators to provide online gambling services from within New Zealand, the Act does not criminalise New Zealanders who use offshore gambling sites. This has created a grey area where many Kiwis access international online casinos licensed in jurisdictions like Malta, Curaçao, or Kahnawake. These sites are not regulated by New Zealand authorities and offer no DIA oversight or consumer protections.

As of 2026, the DIA actively monitors online gambling but enforcement focuses on operators rather than players. While the DIA can request ISPs block illegal gambling sites, the global nature of online gambling makes complete enforcement impossible. Players using offshore casinos should verify the site holds a legitimate international license and offers responsible gambling tools.

Daily Wonders reviews offshore licensed online casinos that accept NZ players in 2026. While these casinos operate legally under international licenses (Malta Gaming Authority, Curaçao eGaming), they are not regulated by the DIA. This means NZ consumer protection laws don't apply, and disputes must be resolved through the casino's licensing jurisdiction.

Responsible gambling protections at offshore casinos vary widely. Reputable casinos like those reviewed on Daily Wonders offer deposit limits, self-exclusion, reality checks, and links to Gambling Helpline (0800 654 655). However, unregulated sites may lack these protections — always verify a casino's license before depositing NZD.

New Zealand banks and payment providers (Visa, Mastercard, POLi) may block transactions to offshore gambling sites, though enforcement is inconsistent. E-wallets like Skrill and Neteller typically process deposits to licensed offshore casinos without issues. Always gamble responsibly and within your means.

The Gambling Act 2003 includes substantial penalties for non-compliance. Individuals who conduct illegal gambling can face fines up to $10,000 and imprisonment for up to three months. Corporate bodies can be fined up to $50,000 for providing unauthorised gambling services.

For more serious offences, such as operating an illegal casino or online gambling service, penalties increase significantly. The Act allows for fines up to $200,000 and imprisonment for up to two years for individuals, while corporate bodies can face fines of up to $1 million.

The DIA maintains an active enforcement programme, conducting regular compliance audits of licensed operators, investigating complaints, and prosecuting illegal gambling activities. This includes working with international authorities to address offshore operators who illegally target New Zealand residents.