GLI Approved to Support New Zealand’s New Regulated iGaming Market
New Zealand.- 13 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com Gaming Laboratories International, GLI, has been approved to provide independent testing and regulatory compliance services for New Zealand’s newly regulated online casino market.
The approval gives operators and suppliers preparing to enter the country access to technical services designed to support compliance with the new regulatory framework.
New Regulatory Framework
The market is being established under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026.
The legislation created the legal framework for specifically regulating online casino gambling offered to New Zealand players.
Testing and Compliance
GLI will be able to support operators and suppliers across areas including:
- Technical testing.
- Certification.
- Compliance.
- System evaluation.
- Cybersecurity.
- Regulatory requirement assessment.
The company intends to assist prospective licensees throughout the market-entry process.
DIA Standards
New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs, DIA, has already published the Minimum Standards applicable to operators.
It has also released draft Testing and Monitoring Requirements setting out the technical framework for platform assessment and supervision.
Up to 15 Licences
New Zealand plans to issue a maximum of 15 online casino licences.
The process includes a competitive allocation stage determining which companies secure the right to lodge a full licence application.
One Licence Per Brand
Each licence will cover a single brand, including the various platforms used by players to access that brand.
No operator can receive more than three licences during the current allocation process.
Licence Duration
Licences can initially remain valid for up to three years.
They may subsequently be renewed for a further period of up to five years.
Applications Open in October
The formal licence application phase is scheduled to begin during October 2026.
Only businesses progressing successfully through earlier competitive stages will be able to submit full applications.
Fully Regulated Market in 2027
The Government expects the licensed regime to be fully operational during 2027.
From 1 December 2026, providers that have not submitted a licence application will be required to stop offering online casino gambling in New Zealand.
Exemption for Applicants
Operators with an application under consideration may continue operating while the regulator assesses their submission.
However, they will not be permitted to advertise during that interim period.
GLI Strengthens APAC Presence
Richard Howarth, GLI Managing Director for Asia-Pacific, described New Zealand as an important step in the development of regulated iGaming across APAC.
The company will combine its international testing experience with regional support capabilities.
Australian Laboratories
GLI maintains a significant Asia-Pacific presence, including laboratories in:
- Sydney.
- Melbourne.
- Adelaide.
This network supports regulatory and technical work across multiple jurisdictions in the region.
More Than 710 Jurisdictions
GLI says it serves more than 710 regulated gaming jurisdictions worldwide.
Its services include testing, certification, cybersecurity and professional support for regulators, operators and suppliers.
Next Steps or Impact
GLI’s approval expands the technical infrastructure available to companies preparing to enter New Zealand’s regulated online casino market.
With licence applications opening during October and up to 15 licences available, the coming months will be critical in determining the market’s initial operator landscape.
Demonstrating technical and regulatory compliance will be one of the key requirements for businesses seeking to launch under the fully regulated regime in 2027.
Editó: @fonta
