Entain, Stake and nine others win rights to apply for New Zealand online casino licences

Eleven firms have secured the right to apply for an online casino licence in New Zealand after an auction run by the Department of Internal Affairs concluded on 12 October 2026. The auction attracted 32 bidders across 10 rounds, producing a final price of NZ$15,000,000 per right to apply. Those winning rights now must submit full licence applications ahead of the market launch planned for early 2027.

Auction outcomes and timing for New Zealand online casino applicants

The auction ran from 29 September until 12 October 2026 and determined which entities have the exclusive right to lodge an application under the new framework. The process did not itself award operating licences; it only decided which companies could proceed to the next stage.

Fifteen online casino licences will be made available when the licensing regime is implemented, but the initial auction allocated rights to apply to 11 entities. The Department of Internal Affairs said the final auction price per right to apply reached NZ$15m (£6.4m). The government plans for the regulated and licensed online casino system to be fully operational in 2027.

Who won rights to apply among the New Zealand online casino applicants

The 11 entities that secured rights to apply are:

• Baytree Interactive Limited (linked to Betway owner Super Group) — secured three rights to apply

• Playvia Gaming (NZ) Limited (Entain) — secured two rights to apply

• Rock Swift Group Limited (linked to the Casino Kingdom brand) — secured two rights to apply

• SkyCity Entertainment (local land-based casino operator) — secured two rights to apply via separate bids and entities

• Stake — one right to apply

• SkillOnNet — one right to apply

• LCKY Group — one right to apply

• Three other bidders — one right each (the Department named the total of 11 successful applicants but identified the specific firms above in its announcement)

The government confirmed that the other six successful bidders each obtained one right to apply. Baytree Interactive Limited, Playvia Gaming (NZ) Limited and Rock Swift Group Limited accounted for multiple rights among the winners.

Next steps for the successful applicants and regulatory deadlines

The entities approved by the government now must prepare and submit a comprehensive licence application. Applications are expected to include detailed plans and strategies covering marketing, consumer protection and compliance measures. From 1 December 2026, operators that have not submitted an application must cease offering online casino services in New Zealand.

The application assessment will be handled under the new regulatory framework administered by the Department of Internal Affairs. The government has set the broader timetable so the licensing system is in place and operational during 2027, with specific application windows and assessment criteria to be applied as part of that process.

Taxation, levies and the wider regulatory environment

The government will change the online casino duty in New Zealand from 12% to 16% from January 2027. In addition to the duty, operators in the market will be subject to a 15% goods and services tax and a 1.24% problem gambling levy. These tax and levy levels form part of the financial model prospective licence-holders must factor into their business cases.

TAB New Zealand will remain the monopoly operator for sports and racing products. TAB New Zealand operates under a joint venture with Entain and, in 2023, the pair entered a 25-year strategic partnership intended to channel more funds into New Zealand’s racing sector. Entain has since launched the betcha brand in New Zealand.

Market positioning and comment from an operator

SkyCity Entertainment, the local land-based casino operator that won two rights to apply via separate bids, issued a statement following the auction. Jason Walbridge, SkyCity chief executive officer, said:

"We are excited to have been successful in the auction to apply for two licences and to be taking the next step towards entering the online casino gambling market in New Zealand. We know New Zealanders trust the SkyCity brand, and we will combine that trust with our deep knowledge of the New Zealand market to build a successful online business here." — Jason Walbridge, SkyCity CEO

SkyCity’s two successful bids were placed through separate entities, consistent with the auction outcome that allowed a license application right to be held by distinct corporate bidders.

Practical implications for operators, vendors and the market

Successful bidders must now prepare the documentary evidence and operational plans the Department of Internal Affairs will require, including consumer protection, marketing controls and compliance systems. Operators that fail to file an application by the 1 December 2026 cutoff must stop providing online casino services in New Zealand.

The combination of the increased online casino duty to 16%, the 15% GST and the 1.24% problem gambling levy should be central to any applicant’s pricing and compliance planning. Firms with existing New Zealand operations — notably Entain through Playvia Gaming (NZ) Limited and its joint venture with TAB New Zealand — will enter the application phase with local partners or brands already in market.

Entain, Stake, SkillOnNet, LCKY Group, Baytree Interactive Limited and Rock Swift Group join SkyCity among the eleven successful applicants identified by the Department of Internal Affairs. The government has reiterated its timetable for a regulated online casino market operating in 2027, with licence awards to follow the application assessments.