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 owner Super Group gained the strongest position. Its three rights are the most allowed for a single operator.
Entain also has a presence through TAB New Zealand, which it runs under a long-term strategic partnership. The company has called New Zealand a key opportunity, citing its position in the country’s sports betting market.
Entain has already launched the Blackrush Casino and FoxySpins brands in the country.
Stake’s place on the list continues its move toward regulated markets. “We’re really excited about the opportunity in New Zealand as the market moves towards regulation,” a Stake spokesperson told NEXT.io.
The spokesperson said the market is “a strong fit for Stake and another important step in growing our presence globally.” They added that it follows the company’s expansion into Alberta, Argentina and Mexico this year.
What Happens Next
Winning a right to apply does not guarantee a licence. The 11 applicants now face a full assessment by the Department of Internal Affairs.
Operators must submit detailed information about their businesses. This includes their plans for New Zealand, their marketing approach and the steps they will take to protect customers.
The Department can also ask for more information before deciding who receives one of the 15 licences.
Companies with applications under review may keep operating while they wait. However, they will face temporary advertising limits.
From December 1, 2026, operators that have not applied for a licence will no longer be allowed to offer online gambling to New Zealand customers.
