The New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs announced on Tuesday that eleven operators have received the right to apply for online casino licenses following a recent auction. The auction concluded with each license priced at NZ$15 million (approximately US$8.42 million), involving a competitive bidding process with 32 participants over ten rounds for 15 available licenses.
Among the successful bidders are notable firms such as Baytree Interactive Limited, which operates under the name Betway, securing three application rights. Other successful bidders include Christchurch Online NZ Limited, One Casino Limited, and Playvia Gaming (NZ) Limited, which is affiliated with Entain and obtained two rights. Additionally, Rock Swift Group Limited also claimed two rights, while Rush Entertainment Limited, Skill On Net Limited, SkyCity NZ Online NO1 Limited, SkyCity NZ Online NO2 Limited, and Stake all secured application rights. TAB New Zealand, a joint venture with Entain, is also among those granted rights to apply.
The auction utilized an ascending clock format, incrementally raising the price as bidders indicated their continued interest. This process concluded when the number of interested bidders matched the fifteen licenses available, designed to ensure transparency in the bidding process.
Securing the right to apply for a license does not guarantee an automatic issuance of a formal online gambling license. Each applicant must now undergo a rigorous regulatory assessment to determine eligibility. The names of the brands that will operate under these licenses will be disclosed on a public register once approved.
Local firm Stake New Zealand Limited expressed its eagerness to enter the regulated market, with a spokesperson highlighting the auction result as a significant step in the company’s international expansion efforts. Stake has recently established a presence in markets including Alberta, Argentina, and Mexico. The 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, another key player in this auction, successfully secured two out of its desired three licenses. CEO Stella David had previously articulated the company’s ambitions during the FY25 earnings call, identifying its exclusive betting brand, TAB, as an advantage in the New Zealand market. Despite earlier concerns that TAB might not be eligible for a license due to its betting monopoly, the operator will proceed to apply alongside the other successful bidders.
This auction marks the second phase of a broader three-stage liberalization process for iGaming in New Zealand. The initial expression of interest (EOI) window opened in March. Applicants were required to meet certain compliance criteria, including demonstrating a minimum capital of NZ$7.5 million and paying a non-refundable fee of NZ$19,000.
Operators who do not submit a license application by December will need to cease operations by December 1. The final stage of licensing, contingent upon auction payment and a comprehensive application process, is expected to result in licenses being issued in early 2027.
