Check the DIA public register
The most reliable way to confirm a New Zealand licence is to check the DIA's public register at dia.govt.nz. The register lists all current licence holders, their licence type, and the expiry date. If an operator claims to hold a NZ licence but does not appear on the register, treat this as a serious red flag.
Licence information in the footer
Legitimate licensed operators display their licence details prominently — typically in the website footer. Look for the licence number, the issuing authority, and the licence expiry date. A vague claim of being 'licensed and regulated' without specific details is not sufficient.
Responsible gambling tools
NZ-licensed operators are required to provide responsible gambling tools including deposit limits, session time limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion. The presence of a comprehensive responsible gambling section — with working tools, not just a page of text — is a positive indicator of a legitimate operator.
Certified game software
Licensed operators use games certified by accredited testing laboratories. Look for certification logos from eCOGRA, GLI, or BMM Testlabs in the footer or on the casino's about page. These logos should link to a verification page on the testing lab's website.
Red flags to watch for
Be cautious of casinos that do not display a specific licence number, have no verifiable responsible gambling tools, use generic or unverifiable certification claims, have no clear complaints process, or offer bonuses with unrealistically low wagering requirements. If something feels off, check the DIA register before depositing.