The Department of Internal Affairs in New Zealand has confirmed that eleven operators have secured rights to apply for online casino licenses following a rigorous expression of interest auction that concluded on Tuesday.
The auction featured 32 bidders competing through ten rounds, ultimately resulting in each license being valued at NZ$15 million (approximately US$8.42 million). Out of all contenders, 15 rights to apply were awarded to eleven successful bidders, with some companies obtaining multiple rights for separate applications.
The winners of this competitive auction include:
– Baytree Interactive Limited (Betway) – 3 rights
– Christchurch Online NZ Limited
– One Casino Limited
– Playvia Gaming (NZ) Limited (Entain) – 2 rights
– Rock Swift Group Limited – 2 rights
– Rush Entertainment Limited
– Skill On Net Limited
– SkyCity NZ Online NO1 Limited
– SkyCity NZ Online NO2 Limited
– Stake
– TAB New Zealand (Entain Joint Venture)
The auction utilized an ascending clock format, wherein the price for licenses increased incrementally based on bidders’ continued interest. It concluded once the number of interested bidders matched the available licenses. This approach aimed to maintain transparency throughout the process.
Winning the right to apply does not automatically guarantee a formal license to operate an online gambling site. Each successful bidder must now undergo comprehensive application and regulatory assessments before any licenses can be officially granted. The regulator has not yet disclosed the brands that may ultimately operate under these licenses; however, approved brands will be accessible on a public register once the licenses are issued.
Stake New Zealand Limited, the local branch of the international sportsbook and casino operator Stake, expressed excitement regarding their entry into the regulated New Zealand market. A spokesperson highlighted their auction win as a crucial element of their global expansion strategy, which includes recent ventures into Canada, Argentina, and Mexico. "It’s a strong fit for Stake and another important step in growing our presence globally," the spokesperson stated. "We’re looking forward to the next stages of the process and, ultimately, bringing the Stake experience to customers in New Zealand."
Entain also emerged from the auction with rights to apply for two licenses, down from their initial target of three. CEO Stella David previously communicated the company’s aspirations during their FY25 earnings call, emphasizing Entain's unique position to cross-sell between sports and iGaming through their exclusive brand, TAB, in New Zealand. Despite earlier concerns about their eligibility due to a betting monopoly, Entain will join the other successful bidders in formally applying for a license.
This auction marks the second phase in a three-part process aimed at liberalizing iGaming in New Zealand. The initial phase began in March, when operators were required to demonstrate compliance with various criteria, including showing access to at least NZ$7.5 million in capital and paying a non-refundable fee of NZ$19,000.
Operators who do not apply for a license by December will be required to cease operations by December 1. The final phase, which will involve the approval of iGaming licenses based on auction payments and the completion of thorough applications, is expected to conclude by early 2027.
