Shortlist of 11 operators for New Zealand’s market launch

New Zealand has announced the list of 11 operators for the online casino licence auction. The new market launch is expected in 2027. Each available licence allows one brand to operate in the regulated market for three years. Operators can apply to extend the validity of the license for another five years. Although the market is scheduled to launch in 2027, The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has not yet set a specific date. On October 13, DIA released the results of the online casino licence auction. The official listing of the operators with the rights to enter the market includes: 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 started with 32 bidders and lasted 10 rounds. For each right to apply, the applicants bid around NZ$15m (€7.5m). New Zealand opened the market with 15 available licenses. Some of the applicants who 2ere successfull during the bidding period, may have opportunity to use several brands in the market. Super Group, which is the owner of Betway, has received three licenses through its Baytree Interactive subsidiary. Three licenses is the maximum number of licenses that any single operator is allowed to have. Entain has received two licenses through its subsidiary Playvia Gaming (NZ). In addition, it secured another license through TAB New Zealand, under the terms of a strategic partnership for sports betting lasting 25 years. Stake, a global casino operator that operates under cryptocurrency, has also managed to obtain a license. Stake spokesperson stated: 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. From December 1, 2026, operators are prohibited from engaging in any online casino gaming in New Zealand unless they have applied for a license. However, those who have a license application in progress will continue operations until the application process is complete.