The New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs has announced that eleven operators have secured the right to apply for online casino licenses, following a competitive expression of interest auction that took place recently.
The auction concluded with each license set at a price of NZ$15 million (approximately US$8.42 million) after ten rounds of bidding involving 32 participants.
Out of this competitive field, fifteen "rights to apply" for licenses were awarded to eleven successful bidders, some of whom were able to secure multiple rights. The list of successful applicants includes:
– 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 JV)
This auction utilized an ascending clock format, progressively increasing the price as bidders continued to show interest until the number of interested parties equaled the 15 licenses available. While each license has a hefty price tag, securing the right to apply does not ensure that an operator will be awarded a formal license. Each applicant must still go through a detailed application and regulatory assessment process before licenses can be officially granted.
The regulatory body has not released details on which specific brands will operate under the newly awarded licenses. Approved brands will be listed in a public register once licenses are issued.
Stake New Zealand Limited, part of the international sportsbook and online casino operator Stake, expressed enthusiasm about its successful bid. A representative described winning the auction as a critical step in the company’s broader ambitions of international expansion, which has recently included markets in Alberta (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, another successful bidder, has the opportunity to submit applications for two licenses, although it originally aimed for three. CEO Stella David emphasized the company’s strategic position, noting that with its exclusive betting brand TAB in New Zealand, it is uniquely positioned to cross-sell sports and iGaming.
Despite earlier doubts regarding TAB’s eligibility for a license due to its betting monopoly, it will join the other successful participants in the application process.
This auction is the second phase of a three-part effort to liberalize iGaming in New Zealand. The initial phase started in March, when an expression of interest window opened. Operators were required to demonstrate compliance capabilities, including maintaining a minimum capital of NZ$7.5 million and paying a non-refundable fee of NZ$19,000.
Any operators that do not apply for a license by December must cease operations by December 1. The final stage of this process will involve the approval of iGaming licenses based on auction payments and completion of comprehensive applications, which are expected to be granted in early 2027.
