New Zealand has identified 11 entities eligible to apply for online casino licences following an auction that attracted 32 bidders and concluded after 10 rounds. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) announced the results on October 13, confirming that each successful application right carries a fee of NZ$15 million (US$8.4 million).
The government has made 15 licences available under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, with each covering one brand for an initial three-year period and a possible five-year renewal. The regulated market is expected to become fully operational in 2027.
Auction participation provides access to the formal licensing process, with applicants still required to demonstrate their suitability before receiving approval.
Super Group Leads Auction Allocations
Super Group, which owns Betway, secured three application rights through Baytree Interactive Limited, reaching the maximum allocation permitted for a single operator.
Entain obtained two rights through Playvia Gaming (NZ) Limited. TAB New Zealand, which operates under Entain’s 25-year strategic sports betting partnership, secured another. The arrangement gives Entain a potential three-brand presence in the regulated online casino market.
The company has already introduced Blackrush Casino and FoxySpins in New Zealand. It has also previously identified opportunities to promote casino products to its existing sports betting customers.
SkyCity Entertainment Group received two application rights through separate subsidiaries, SkyCity NZ Online NO1 Limited and SkyCity NZ Online NO2 Limited. The company intends to pursue both licences as it expands its online gambling activities.
CEO Jason Walbridge commented:
“We are excited to have been successful in the auction to apply for two licences and to be taking the next step towards entering the online casino gambling market in New Zealand.
“We know New Zealanders trust the SkyCity brand, and we will combine that trust with our deep knowledge of the New Zealand market to build a successful online business here.”
Stake New Zealand Limited secured one application right. The operator, which has expanded into Alberta, Argentina and Mexico this year, also confirmed its intention to proceed.
A Stake spokesperson stated:
“We’re looking forward to the next stages of the process and, ultimately, bringing the Stake experience to customers in New Zealand.”
Other successful participants include Skill On Net Limited and One Casino Limited, the latter associated with Malta-based LCKY, formerly Glitnor Group.
Rock Swift Group Limited, previously licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, received two rights. Christchurch Online NZ Limited and Rush Entertainment Limited each secured one. Despite its name, Christchurch Online NZ is registered in Malta.
The DIA has declined to identify the brands each entity intends to operate at this stage.
Licensing Requirements Extend Beyond Auction Fees
The successful entities must now submit detailed applications and pay the required licence fees. Regulators will assess their business plans, proposed advertising practices and compliance procedures, alongside measures for consumer protection and gambling harm prevention.
Officials will also consider information collected during the earlier expression-of-interest stage and may request additional documentation.
The NZ$15 million price has prompted concerns among industry participants. At approximately €7.5 million, it exceeds Brazil’s regulated market licensing fee of roughly €5.2 million.
New Zealand’s Online Casino Gambling Regulations 2026 establish further obligations concerning record-keeping, advertising and harm minimisation. They also specify the fees and levies applicable to licensed providers.
The DIA has published market research covering October 2023 to September 2025 to support prospective applicants. The reports examine online gambling activity using card transactions from one bank, adjusted to estimate the wider market.
The figures measure deposits without accounting for winnings and exclude statutory providers Lotto NZ and TAB.
Unsuccessful Operators Face December Exit
The new framework introduces an important deadline for businesses already serving New Zealand customers.
According to Inside Asian Gaming, citing the official list on the Department of Internal Affairs website, from December 1, 2026, providers that have not applied for a licence must cease offering online casino gambling services in the country.
Operators that submit applications can continue operating under a temporary exemption while authorities assess their suitability. They must observe the existing advertising prohibition throughout this period.
The transitional provisions also prevent new providers from entering the market before the licensing system takes effect.
New Zealand introduced the legislation to bring existing offshore gambling activity under domestic oversight and establish stronger safeguards for consumers. The staged implementation gives authorities time to assess applications and prepare the compliance systems required for the new regime.
The DIA has yet to announce an exact market-opening date in 2027. Its forthcoming licensing decisions will determine which of the successful auction participants ultimately receive permission to operate.