Entain, Super Group and Stake are among the 11 operators to have succeeded in New Zealand’s licence auction with the market launch set for 2027.
The island nation’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) today (13 October) released the results of its licence tender, with 11 entities bidding NZ$15m (€7.5m) to progress to the next stage of the process.
There are 15 licences available in total, with some companies pursuing a multi-brand strategy in the country.
Each available licence grants the right to operate in the regulated online casino market using a single brand for a three-year period, with the possibility of an additional five-year renewal.
Industry sources told NEXT.io the NZ$15m (€7.5m) licence fee appears expensive, as it costs more than a licence to operate in Brazil’s regulated market (€5.2m).
The full list published on the DIA’s website reads:
Baytree Interactive Limited – 3 rights to apply
Christchurch Online NZ Limited
One Casino Limited
Playvia Gaming (NZ) Limited – 2 rights to apply
Rock Swift Group Limited – 2 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 DIA revealed the auction attracted 32 bidders and concluded after 10 rounds.
The government body also said it does not plan to release the brands each operator plans to trade under at this stage.
The auction winners
Winners of the auction include Betway owner Super Group through its Baytree Interactive vehicle, which has received three rights to apply, the maximum available to each single operator.
Entain, meanwhile, obtained two rights to apply using its Playvia Gaming (NZ) subsidiary, as well as an additional licence through TAB NZ, which is fully operated by the group under a 25-year strategic sports betting partnership.
The Stella David-led operator has previously highlighted the opportunity in the market as it will be the only business cleared to use cross-sell as it has a sports betting monopoly in New Zealand.
The two brands Entain has so far launch in the market are Blackrush Casino and FoxySpins, as first reported by NEXT.io.
An Entain spokesperson told NEXT.io: “We are pleased to have successfully progressed to the final licence application stage of New Zealand’s online casino licensing process for our BlackRush and Foxy brands, alongside TAB NZ, which is supported by Entain.
“This is an important milestone, but we recognise there is a comprehensive application and due diligence process still to come. We look forward to working constructively with the Department of Internal Affairs as that process progresses.
“We remain committed to supporting a safe, responsible and sustainable gambling environment in New Zealand.”
International crypto-first casino giant Stake – which has acquired various regulated market licences in recent years – also successfully acquired a licence.
A Stake spokesperson told NEXT.io: “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.”
Failed runners given December deadline
Two Malta-based operators also received one right to apply each: SkillOnNet and LCKY (formerly Glitnor Group) via its One Casino company.
Additionally, on the land-based front, local behemoth SkyCity was awarded two rights to apply which could allow it to leverage its unique omni-channel position in the market.
Rounding out the list and lacking connection to well-known international operators are Rock Swift Group Limited, previously licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, and Christchurch Online NZ.
While Christchurch appears on first blush to be related to Christchurch Casino, it is in fact another Malta-registered business.
B2C operators that failed at this stage must cease operations by 1 December 2026, with the full market launch expected at an unknown date in 2027, according to the DIA.
Dingnews.com 15/10/2026