On Tuesday, New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs announced that eleven operators have successfully secured the opportunity to apply for online casino licences following an expression of interest auction. This auction concluded with a final bid amount of NZ$15 million (approximately US$8.42 million) for each licence, as 32 bidders engaged in competitive rounds for 15 available licences.
The auction granted 15 “rights to apply” to a total of 11 successful bidders, with some companies obtaining multiple rights to submit separate applications. The winning applicants were:
– Baytree Interactive Limited (operating as Betway) – 3 rights
– Christchurch Online NZ Limited
– One Casino Limited
– Playvia Gaming (NZ) Limited (operated by 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 (a joint venture with Entain)
The auction utilized an ascending clock format, where licence prices rose incrementally and bidders confirmed their interest at each step. It wrapped up when the number of bidders willing to proceed equaled the number of licences available, ensuring a transparent process.
However, securing a right to apply does not guarantee that a bidder will ultimately receive a licence to operate an online gambling site. Each successful bidder must now complete a comprehensive regulatory assessment before any licences are formally granted. The regulator has yet to reveal which brands will operate under the new licences, although approved brands will be listed on a public register.
Enthusiastic about its prospects, Stake New Zealand Limited, part of the international sportsbook and online casino operator Stake, hailed its auction success as a significant step in its global expansion strategy, which already includes presence in Alberta (Canada), Argentina, and Mexico. A spokesperson stated, “It’s a strong fit for Stake and another important step in growing our presence globally. 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 victorious, securing rights to apply for two licences, having originally aimed for three. Entain CEO Stella David had expressed ambitions to expand during the company's FY25 earnings call. David noted that with its exclusive brand TAB operating in New Zealand, Entain stands out as the sole online operator capable of cross-selling sports betting and iGaming services. Despite earlier doubts regarding TAB’s eligibility due to its monopoly, the operator will now join the other successful bidders in the application process.
This auction marks the second phase in New Zealand's three-part liberalisation process for iGaming. The first phase commenced in March this year, requiring operators to prove they could meet compliance obligations, including demonstrating access to a minimum of NZ$7.5 million in capital and paying a non-refundable fee of NZ$19,000.
Operators must apply for a licence by December or cease operations by December 1. The final stage will involve the issuance of iGaming licences based on auction payment and the completion of a detailed application, which is anticipated to conclude by early 2027.
