Online bingo is illegal to offer domestically within New Zealand under the Gambling Act 2003, which prohibits all remote interactive gambling by operators based in the country (1). However, New Zealand residents can legally access offshore online bingo platforms that are licensed and regulated in their jurisdictions of operation (1). The Department of Internal Affairs permits Kiwis to participate in internationally licensed online bingo sites while simultaneously maintaining a comprehensive ban on New Zealand-based operators offering the service, creating a regulatory framework that distinguishes between supply and participation.
New Zealand is actively implementing new legislation to establish a licensing framework for online casino gambling, with up to 15 licenses available starting August to December 2026, though online bingo specifically is not explicitly addressed in the current regulatory proposals (2). The Online Casino Gambling Bill, enacted in January 2026, will introduce strict harm minimization standards including mandatory age verification at 18, player-set spending limits, and restricted advertising between 6:00 AM and 9:30 PM (2). Licensed operators will face penalties up to NZD 5 million for violations, though the new framework focuses on casino games rather than specifically regulating online bingo.
"Online casinos based in New Zealand are illegal. It is also illegal to advertise offshore casino gambling websites in New Zealand. Online casino gambling is currently an unregulated activity. Many of the websites are operated from overseas and therefore not protected by New Zealand law if there are any disputes."
Players in New Zealand accessing offshore online bingo platforms operate without consumer protections or legal recourse for disputes, as these services remain unregulated under New Zealand law (1). The government has acknowledged the reality that approximately NZD 700 million annually flows to offshore gambling operators, prompting the new regulatory framework designed to capture a portion of this market through taxation and licensing (2). Until online bingo is explicitly included in the new licensing legislation or addressed through separate regulation, New Zealand residents must rely on offshore platforms while the country transitions to a more comprehensive online gambling licensing regime expected to take effect in 2026.
Source:
https://www.dia.govt.nz/gambling
https://www.advennt.com/news/licensing-and-regulation/new-zealand-introduces-online-casino-licensing-and-bans-offshore-sports-betting/
Last updated: 01-11-2025 Disclaimer: This article does not provide legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney directly.
