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Local casino operators say they could miss out on a licence to operate online, as they prepare to square up against large offshore operators with deep pockets.
The government has released more information on how it proposes to regulate online gambling - mainly as a way to secure tax revenue.
It plans to issue 15 licences for online casino operators, that will be competed for at auction.
There are close to double that amount already operating in New Zealand - via an offshore base - so competition is expected to be tight.
The licences will come with strict requirements such as age verification, harm minimisation and tax-paying obligations.
But both SkyCity and Christchurch casinos - who currently offer online gambling via their Malta-based operations - say their chances of securing one of these licences to operate in their own country - is far from a sure thing.
Kathryn Ryan speaks to SkyCity chief executive Jason Walbridge, Christchurch Casino chief executive Brett Anderson and AUT Gambling and Addictions Research Centre director Maria Bellringer.
