Eleven operators, including Entain, Stake and Betway, have secured the right to apply for New Zealand’s 15 online casino licences following a competitive auction.

New Zealand has taken another major step towards opening its regulated online casino market, with 11 operators securing the right to apply for 15 available licences.

The country's Department of Internal Affairs confirmed the results on 13 October, following an auction involving 32 bidders competing across 10 rounds.

The auction concluded at NZ$15 million (US$8.42 million) per licence, with major international gambling companies including Entain, Stake and Betway among the successful participants.

Local gambling operator SkyCity also secured two opportunities to apply for licences, while TAB New Zealand, which operates in partnership with Entain, was included among the successful bidders.

The results provide an early indication of which companies could enter New Zealand's regulated online casino market when the new licensing system launches in 2027.

However, winning an auction does not guarantee permission to operate. Each successful bidder must still complete a regulatory assessment before receiving a formal licence.

Eleven operators secure 15 licence opportunities

The auction allocated 15 rights to apply among 11 successful participants, with several companies securing multiple opportunities.

The successful bidders were:

• Baytree Interactive Limited (Betway): 3 rights
• Christchurch Online NZ Limited: 1 right
• One Casino Limited: 1 right
• Playvia Gaming (NZ) Limited (Entain): 2 rights
• Rock Swift Group Limited: 2 rights
• Rush Entertainment Limited: 1 right
• Skill On Net Limited: 1 right
• SkyCity NZ Online NO1 Limited: 1 right
• SkyCity NZ Online NO2 Limited: 1 right
• Stake: 1 right
• TAB New Zealand (Entain joint venture): 1 right

Betway secured the largest individual allocation, with three rights to apply for online casino licences.

Entain obtained two through Playvia Gaming, while TAB New Zealand, its joint venture with the country's racing and sports betting operator, secured a separate right.

SkyCity, one of New Zealand's established land-based casino operators, also obtained two opportunities through separate entities.

The distribution means several major gambling groups could operate more than one licensed online casino brand, depending on the outcome of the final application process.

Auction reaches NZ$15 million per licence

New Zealand used an ascending clock auction to allocate the rights to apply.

Under this system, the licence price increased over successive rounds, with participating companies indicating whether they wished to remain in the bidding process.

The auction continued until the number of interested bidders matched the 15 available licences.

After 10 rounds, the final price reached NZ$15 million per licence.

With all 15 rights allocated at that price, the auction represents a potential NZ$225 million in licence payments, provided all successful applicants complete the process and receive approval.

The auction was designed to allocate a limited number of opportunities through a competitive and transparent mechanism.

However, the financial commitment is only one element of the licensing process.

Winning companies must still demonstrate that they satisfy New Zealand's regulatory requirements before being authorised to operate.

The Department of Internal Affairs has also not yet confirmed which consumer-facing brands will ultimately operate under the licences.

Those details will become available through a public register once licences have been formally granted.

Entain strengthens its position in New Zealand

Entain was among the most closely watched participants in the auction, having previously expressed ambitions to secure three online casino licences.

During the company's 2025 full-year earnings call, CEO Stella David outlined its interest in obtaining multiple licences as part of its strategy for the New Zealand market.

Entain ultimately secured two rights through Playvia Gaming, while TAB New Zealand obtained another.

This gives Entain a significant potential presence in the future online casino sector, although the rights are held by separate entities and remain subject to regulatory approval.

The company already has an established position in New Zealand through its partnership with TAB, which holds exclusive rights in the country's regulated racing and sports betting market.

David previously highlighted this relationship as a potential competitive advantage.

According to Entain, its existing betting customer base could create opportunities to introduce customers to online casino products once the new market opens.

The company believes its ability to connect sports betting and online casino services could distinguish it from operators entering New Zealand without an existing local betting presence.

There had previously been uncertainty over whether TAB would be eligible to participate in the online casino licensing process because of its position in sports and racing betting.

Its successful participation in the auction confirms that it can proceed to the formal application stage.

Stake targets further international expansion

International gambling operator Stake also secured the right to apply for a New Zealand online casino licence.

The company described the result as an important step in its wider strategy of expanding into regulated markets.

Stake has recently pursued opportunities in several jurisdictions, including Alberta in Canada, Argentina and Mexico.

A company spokesperson welcomed the New Zealand auction outcome.

"It's a strong fit for Stake and another important step in growing our presence globally," the spokesperson said.

"We're looking forward to the next stages of the process and, ultimately, bringing the Stake experience to customers in New Zealand."

The successful bid provides Stake with an opportunity to establish a regulated presence in another market, although it must still complete the formal licensing process.

For international operators, New Zealand represents an opportunity to enter a market where online casino activity is being brought under a dedicated domestic regulatory framework.

Betway secures largest allocation

Betway, operating through Baytree Interactive Limited, emerged with the largest number of rights awarded to a single applicant.

The company secured three opportunities to apply, potentially allowing it to operate multiple online casino offerings if the applications are approved.

This places Betway among the operators with the broadest potential presence in the future market.

The allocation is particularly notable given the limited number of licences available.

With only 15 licences on offer, competition during the auction was significant, and not every interested operator was able to progress.

Betway's three successful bids therefore represent a substantial commitment to the New Zealand market.

However, the Department of Internal Affairs has not yet disclosed which brands or platforms the company intends to operate under those licences.

New Zealand moves towards regulated online casinos

The auction represents the second stage of New Zealand's three-part process for introducing a regulated online casino market.

The first stage began in March 2026, when the Department of Internal Affairs opened an expression-of-interest process.

Interested operators were required to demonstrate that they could meet several financial and regulatory conditions.

These included access to at least NZ$7.5 million in capital and payment of a non-refundable NZ$19,000 application fee.

Companies also had to demonstrate their ability to comply with the requirements of the proposed licensing framework.

The auction then determined which applicants would be permitted to proceed to the final stage.

The remaining process will involve comprehensive licence applications and regulatory assessments, alongside payment of the auction price.

Formal licences are expected to be issued in early 2027.

December deadline approaches for operators

The introduction of the licensing system will also affect gambling companies currently serving customers in New Zealand.

Under the transition arrangements described by the Department of Internal Affairs, operators that have not submitted a licence application by the required December deadline must cease operations by 1 December 2026.

This creates a clear distinction between companies progressing through the new regulatory process and those that will no longer be permitted to serve the market.

The limited number of licences also means that New Zealand's future online casino sector will be considerably more restricted than jurisdictions where any qualifying operator can apply for authorisation.

The auction mechanism has already narrowed the field from 32 bidders to 11 successful participants.

Further regulatory checks will determine which of those companies ultimately receive permission to launch.

Final licensing decisions expected in 2027

With the auction completed, attention now turns to the formal application and approval process.

The Department of Internal Affairs will assess successful bidders before issuing licences and publishing the approved operators and brands.

For Entain, Stake, Betway and SkyCity, the auction results represent an important commercial opportunity, but not yet a guarantee of market entry.

The substantial licence price also reflects the level of interest in New Zealand's online casino sector, despite the relatively small number of authorisations available.

As the country approaches the final stage of its regulatory transition, the next decisions will determine which operators can establish a legal presence in the market.

The first licences are expected in early 2027, setting the stage for a new competitive environment involving established local gambling companies and major international operators.

Source: IGamingBusiness