New Zealand operates a restricted casino licence regime permitting only six land-based casino licences. These licences were grandfathered from the Gaming and Lotteries Act 1977, and the Gambling Act 2003 prohibits issuing new licences unless an existing one is surrendered.

Initial eligibility requirements (applicable when the current licences were issued) included: demonstrating financial stability and adequate capitalisation to operate a casino, proving suitability of directors, officers, and major shareholders through comprehensive probity checks, submitting detailed business plans including responsible gambling programmes, and showing capacity to meet ongoing regulatory obligations.

While new casino licences cannot be issued, changes in casino ownership or control require DIA approval. Prospective new owners must undergo the same rigorous probity assessments as original licence holders, demonstrating they are suitable persons to hold a casino licence and will maintain compliance with all regulatory requirements.

Comprehensive probity checks are required for all key individuals associated with a casino licence, including directors, senior managers, major shareholders (those holding 5% or more), and key gaming staff. These investigations examine criminal history, financial background, business associations, and general character and reputation.

The DIA assesses whether individuals are "suitable persons" to be associated with casino operations. Factors considered include: any convictions for dishonesty, fraud, or gambling-related offences; history of involvement with illegal gambling; financial integrity and solvency; and associations with organised crime or unsuitable individuals.

Ongoing suitability monitoring continues throughout the licence term. Licence holders must notify the DIA of any changes in key personnel or ownership, and the DIA can require new probity checks at any time. Failure to maintain suitability can result in licence conditions, suspension, or revocation.

Responsible gambling programmes are mandatory and must be approved by the DIA. These programmes include comprehensive staff training to identify and assist problem gamblers, prominent display of information about gambling risks and support services (including the Gambling Helpline 0800 654 655), implementation of Multi-Venue Exclusion (MVE) systems, and procedures for identifying and intervening with at-risk players.

Gaming equipment and operations must meet strict standards. All gaming machines and table games require DIA approval and regular independent testing to ensure fairness and randomness. Casinos must maintain detailed records of gaming activity, implement security systems to prevent cheating and fraud, and ensure games operate according to approved rules and payout percentages.

Financial and reporting requirements include submitting quarterly and annual reports to the DIA covering gaming revenue, financial performance, responsible gambling interventions, and compliance activities. Casinos must maintain adequate insurance, implement anti-money laundering procedures compliant with the Anti-Money Laundering and Countering Financing of Terrorism Act 2009, and submit to regular financial audits.

The DIA conducts regular compliance audits covering all aspects of casino operations. Inspectors can enter casinos without notice, demand production of records and equipment, interview staff, and seize evidence. Non-compliance is taken seriously and can result in escalating enforcement actions.

Enforcement measures range from warnings and improvement notices for minor violations to formal licence conditions requiring specific remedial actions. More serious or repeated non-compliance can lead to substantial financial penalties, temporary suspension of gaming operations, or in extreme cases, licence revocation.

Recent enforcement actions have targeted failures in responsible gambling programmes (insufficient staff training, inadequate problem gambling interventions), breaches of anti-money laundering requirements, and violations of advertising standards. The DIA publishes enforcement decisions to promote transparency and encourage industry-wide compliance.