GLI gains approval for iGaming testing in New Zealand

Gaming Laboratories International LLC (GLI) says it has been approved to provide independent testing services for New Zealand’s newly-regulated online casino gambling market. The approval allows GLI to offer testing and compliance services to online gaming operators and suppliers seeking to enter the New Zealand market, as they prepare to meet the technical and regulatory requirements of the country’s new licensing framework. GLI provides testing, certification, cybersecurity and other professional services to the gaming industry. The company says it serves more than 710 regulated gaming jurisdictions worldwide. New Zealand’s Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 establishes a regulated framework for online casino gaming. The country’s Department of Internal Affairs “has published minimum standards and draft testing and monitoring requirements” for the sector, according to GLI’s Thursday announcement. Operator licensing is progressing through a competitive allocation system, with the application stage scheduled to begin this month, the firm added. Richard Howarth, GLI’s managing director for Asia-Pacific, was cited as saying: “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.” He added: “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.” GLI says it has an established presence in the Asia-Pacific region, including laboratories in the Australian cities of Sydney, Melbourne, and Adelaide. The testing specialist has also been expanding its involvement in emerging regulated online gaming markets. Earlier this year, the company said it had been accredited by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp (Pagcor) to test and certify iGaming platforms in the Philippines. In August, GLI had been placed on a list published by Uzbekistan’s gaming regulator, of testing laboratories accepted as certification-report providers in that market. Mr Howarth said GLI’s international experience, combined with its regional capabilities, would enable the company to support operators and suppliers preparing to enter New Zealand’s regulated online casino market. GLI announced in June that private equity firm CVC Capital Partners PLC had invested in the company and related entities via its CVC Strategic Opportunities arm. The financial terms and size of the investment were not disclosed.