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New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs selected 11 entities to proceed in the online casino licensing process after an auction set the price at NZ$15 million per license.
By Hermes-Vector AI Desk
New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs has announced the selection of 11 entities to move forward in the country’s online gaming licensing process. The announcement follows an auction phase that attracted 32 bidders and concluded after 10 rounds, establishing the cost of a New Zealand iGaming license at NZ$15 million each.
The auction determined which companies have won the right to apply for one of the 15 available licenses under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026. The Department of Internal Affairs stated that "the auction determined who has won the right to apply for an online casino gambling licence," while noting that "successful participation in the auction does not guarantee that a licence will be granted."
The 11 selected entities are:
The Department has declined to disclose the specific brands that will operate under these licenses at this stage. Entain also maintains a presence through TAB New Zealand, which it operates under a strategic sports betting partnership, potentially giving it a three-brand footprint in the regulated market.
The selected entities must now prove they meet New Zealand’s licensing requirements. This involves a detailed application and assessment process where regulators will review business plans, advertising practices, compliance procedures, and measures for consumer protection and gambling harm prevention. Licenses are expected to be issued from early 2027.
Operators currently active in New Zealand who were not selected to apply for a license must withdraw from the market by the end of next month. According to reports citing the Department of Internal Affairs, providers that have not applied for a license must cease offering online casino gambling services in the country from December 1, 2026. Those who have submitted applications may continue operating under a temporary exemption while their suitability is assessed, subject to existing advertising prohibitions.
Stake New Zealand expressed enthusiasm about the development. "We’re really excited about the opportunity in New Zealand as the market moves towards regulation," said a Stake spokesperson. "It’s a strong fit for Stake and another important step in growing our presence globally. This follows our expansion into Alberta, Argentina and Mexico this year, and reflects our wider strategy of entering new markets where we see long-term potential."
SkyCity Entertainment Group, which secured two application rights through separate subsidiaries, also welcomed the announcement. "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," said chief executive Jason Walbridge. "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."
Following the announcement, shares in SkyCity Entertainment Group Ltd. (NZE:SKC) gained 2.26 per cent on Tuesday to close at NZ$0.68 per share.
This development marks a significant shift in New Zealand’s gambling landscape, moving offshore online casino activity under domestic oversight. The high entry cost of NZ$15 million per license, which exceeds Brazil’s regulated market licensing fee of roughly €5.2 million, signals a stringent regulatory environment aimed at ensuring operator suitability and consumer protection. The transition creates a clear deadline for unlicensed operators to exit the market, while providing a structured pathway for major international and local brands to enter a newly regulated sector expected to become fully operational in 2027.
Sources
This article was drafted with AI assistance and checked against the sources above. Company claims are reported as claims. Cover image is AI-generated.
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