TLDR New Zealand has named 11 operators that won the right to apply for online casino licences, including Betway, Stake, Entain and SkyCity. The licence auction drew 32 bidders, ran for 10 rounds, and each right to apply cost NZ$15 million. Betway owner Super Group won three rights to apply, the most allowed for a single operator. Up to 15 licences are expected to be issued, and the regulated market is planned to launch in 2027. From December 1, 2026, operators without a licence application can no longer offer online gambling in New Zealand.
New Zealand has named the operators that will move forward in its online casino licensing process. Major names including Betway, Stake, Entain and SkyCity have secured the right to apply for licences in the country’s new regulated market.
The announcement ends the first competitive stage of the process. It also moves the market closer to its planned launch in 2027.
A total of 11 entities won application rights through a licence auction. The auction drew 32 bidders and ran for 10 rounds.
Each right to apply cost NZ$15 million, or about €7.5 million. Up to 15 licences are expected to be issued under the new framework.
Who Made the List
The Department of Internal Affairs published the full list of successful applicants. Betway, through Baytree Interactive Ltd, won three rights to apply. Entain, through Playvia Gaming Ltd, and Rock Swift Group Ltd each won two.
The other successful applicants each secured one right. They are Christchurch Online NZ Ltd, One Casino Ltd, Rush Entertainment Ltd, Skill On Net Ltd, SkyCity NZ Online NO1 Ltd, SkyCity NZ Online NO2 Ltd, Stake New Zealand Ltd and TAB New Zealand.
The Department said it will not yet reveal which brands each applicant plans to use.
Betway