New Zealand has revealed the list of 11 operators who will participate in the bidding for online casino licenses as part of the country’s market launch slated for 2027. Each license will permit a brand to operate in the regulated market for a period of three years, with the option to extend for an additional five years. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has yet to announce a specific date for the market's opening, which is anticipated to occur in 2027.
On October 13, DIA published the results of the online casino license auction, confirming the following operators will have the rights to enter the market:
– Baytree Interactive Limited – three rights to apply
– Christchurch Online NZ Limited
– One Casino Limited
– Playvia Gaming (NZ) Limited – two rights to apply
– Rock Swift Group Limited – two rights to apply
– Rush Entertainment Limited
– Skill On Net Limited
– SkyCity NZ Online NO1 Limited
– SkyCity NZ Online NO2 Limited
– Stake New Zealand Limited
– TAB New Zealand
The auction attracted 32 bidders and spanned ten rounds, with bids averaging around NZ$15 million (€7.5 million) for each right to apply. Initially, New Zealand offered 15 available licenses, meaning that some successful applicants may have the chance to operate multiple brands in the market.
Super Group, the parent company of Betway, secured three licenses through its subsidiary Baytree Interactive, marking the maximum number of licenses granted to a single operator. Entain obtained two licenses via its subsidiary, Playvia Gaming (NZ), and a third license through a strategic 25-year partnership with TAB New Zealand for sports betting.
Additionally, Stake, a global casino operator that accepts cryptocurrency, has also received a license. A representative from Stake remarked, "We’re really excited about the opportunity in New Zealand as the market moves towards regulation. 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. We’re looking forward to the next stages of the process and, ultimately, bringing the Stake experience to customers in New Zealand."
Beginning December 1, 2026, operators must refrain from engaging in any online casino gaming activity in New Zealand unless they have initiated a license application. Those with pending applications will be permitted to continue operations until the approval process concludes.
