GLI Wins Approval to Test New Zealand iGaming Market

By Jovana Vukovic

Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has received approval to provide independent testing services for New Zealand’s newly regulated online casino market, giving operators and suppliers access to technical compliance support as they prepare for entry.

The announcement, made in Sydney on 8 October 2026, comes as New Zealand advances the implementation of its Online Casino Gambling Act 2026. The legislation establishes the framework for the regulated online casino sector, with the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) publishing Minimum Standards and draft Testing and Monitoring Requirements.

New Zealand’s licensing process is progressing through a competitive allocation stage, with licence applications scheduled to begin in October 2026. GLI’s approval allows businesses preparing to apply for market access to seek independent testing against the technical and regulatory requirements of the new system.

Independent Testing for New Zealand Operators

GLI will help businesses assess their products against the technical and regulatory requirements for the new market. Its testing and compliance expertise is intended to support companies preparing applications and checking that their platforms meet the applicable standards.

Richard Howarth, GLI’s APAC managing director, said the development marked an important step for regulated online gambling in the region.

“New Zealand represents an important development for regulated iGaming in the APAC region, and we are delighted that GLI is approved to support this new market. As operators and suppliers prepare for licensing and market entry, our teams are ready to help them understand and efficiently navigate the technical requirements of the new regulatory framework,” Howarth said.

He also pointed to GLI’s international experience and regional capabilities as important resources for clients.

“GLI has decades of experience supporting regulators, operators, and suppliers as new gaming markets develop around the world. Combining that global iGaming expertise with the knowledge and capabilities of our APAC teams means we can provide clients entering New Zealand with both international experience and strong regional support,” he added.

Regional Laboratories and Global Experience

GLI provides testing, certification, cybersecurity and professional services to the gaming industry, serving more than 710 regulated gaming jurisdictions worldwide.

Its Asia-Pacific presence includes laboratories in Sydney, Melbourne and Adelaide, Australia, alongside operations elsewhere in the region. These facilities form part of the company’s existing testing network as New Zealand establishes its regulated online casino system.

GLI has also worked with other jurisdictions developing their online gambling frameworks. Earlier in 2026, it became the first independent gaming testing laboratory accredited by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) to test and certify iGaming platforms in the Philippines.

In August, Uzbekistan’s regulator officially listed GLI among the laboratories whose testing and certification reports it accepts. These approvals add to the company’s work with regulators establishing technical requirements for gaming products and platforms.

As New Zealand moves toward its October licensing application stage, GLI’s approval gives operators and suppliers an established independent testingprovider to consult when preparing to meet the country’s requirements.

Source:

“Gaming Laboratories International (GLI) has secured approval to test iGaming products for New Zealand’s regulated online casino market ahead of licensing”, gaminglabs.com, October 8, 2026