TLDR
- Entain plans to bid for 3 of 15 available online casino licenses in New Zealand, targeting about 50% market share
- New Zealand legalized iGaming in June 2025 and is expected to open its licensing process during 2026
- Entain’s existing TAB betting platform gives it a unique cross-selling advantage between sports betting and online casino
- The company reported 8% net gaming revenue growth to $6.6 billion in 2025 despite recent job cuts in its local branch
- Entain has seen a 28% year-on-year performance increase in New Zealand through its current sports and racing betting operations
Entain is setting its sights on a major share of New Zealand’s soon-to-launch online casino market. The company’s chief executive officer Stella David said Entain wants to control around 50% of the market once licenses become available.
The UK-based gambling giant plans to apply for 3 of the 15 online casino licenses that New Zealand is expected to offer. The country’s licensing process is set to begin at some point during 2026.
Online gambling is currently not permitted in New Zealand. However, the government passed legislation in June 2025 to legalize iGaming and begin a formal licensing process.
Entain believes it has a head start over competitors thanks to its existing operations in the country. The company already runs TAB, New Zealand’s sole legal provider of both retail and online sports betting.
Cross-Selling Through TAB Gives Entain an Edge
David pointed out that Entain is the only online operator in a position to cross-sell between sports betting and iGaming products. TAB’s established customer base could serve as a built-in audience for new online casino offerings.
Andrew Vouris, CEO of Entain Australia and New Zealand, echoed that view. He said the company’s current footprint and experience in the country provide a strong base for success.
Vouris added that Entain could become the only operator offering sports betting, horse racing, and casino gaming all under one roof. That combination could set the company apart from other applicants during the licensing process.
Entain already holds the exclusive license for online sports and racing betting in New Zealand. The company has reported a 28% year-on-year increase in performance in the country.
That track record is central to the company’s pitch for the upcoming casino licenses. Entain sees its familiarity with New Zealand’s regulatory environment as a competitive advantage.
Revenue Growth Continues Despite Job Cuts
The push into New Zealand’s iGaming market comes just months after Entain cut jobs at its local operations. Those layoffs were part of a broader effort to reduce operating costs across the business.
Despite those cuts, the company has not pulled back on its expansion plans. David said during the latest earnings call that the online gaming unit was gaining momentum.
Entain reported total group net gaming revenue of $6.6 billion in 2025. That figure represented an 8% increase over the prior year.
The company is forecasting net gaming revenue growth of 5% to 7% in constant currency terms going forward. That outlook suggests Entain expects continued expansion across its digital operations.
With the application process still ahead, Entain’s strategy centers on converting its existing presence into a broader gaming offering. If it secures the 3 licenses it is targeting, the company would operate across sports betting, racing, and online casino in the same market.
New Zealand’s licensing window has not yet opened, and specific timelines for applications have not been confirmed by the government as of April 2026.
