Entain and Stake to progress in New Zealand licence bid 

Eleven operators have secured the right to apply for online casino licences in New Zealand following an expression of interest auction, the market’s Department of Internal Affairs confirmed on Tuesday. 

The auction, which ended with a final price of NZ$15 million (US$8.42 million) per licence, involved 32 bidders competing over 10 rounds for 15 available licences.

Who were the lucky bidders?

The auction granted 15 “rights to apply” to 11 successful participants. Some firms secured multiple rights, allowing them to submit separate licence applications. The successful applicants were:

• Baytree Interactive Limited (Betway) – 3 rights
• Christchurch Online NZ Limited
• One Casino Limited
• Playvia Gaming (NZ) Limited (Entain) – 2 rights
• Rock Swift Group Limited -2 rights
• Rush Entertainment Limited
• Skill On Net Limited
• SkyCity NZ Online NO1 Limited
• SkyCity NZ Online NO2 Limited
• Stake
• TAB New Zealand (Entain JV)

What the auction mechanism meant for the process

An ascending clock auction format was employed, whereby licence prices incrementally increased and bidders declared their continued interest at each step.

The auction concluded when the number of willing bidders matched the 15 licences on offer. This format was designed to be transparent.

Despite each licence costing a final price of $15 million, an operator winning the right to apply does not guarantee it will receive a formal licence to operate an online gambling site. Each successful bidder must now undergo a thorough application and regulatory assessment process before licences can be formally awarded. 

The regulator has not disclosed which brands might operate under these licences. Approved brands will be published on a public register once licences are granted.

‘It’s a strong fit for Stake’

Stake New Zealand Limited, the local branch of international sportsbook and online casino operator Stake, expressed enthusiasm about entering the regulated New Zealand market.

A spokesperson for the operator framed the auction victory as a pivotal move within its wider international reguted expansion efforts, which include recent entries into Alberta (Canada), Argentina, and Mexico.

“It’s a strong fit for Stake and another important step in growing our presence globally,” the spokesperson said in a statement on Tuesday.

“We’re looking forward to the next stages of the process and, ultimately, bringing the Stake experience to customers in New Zealand.” 

Entain scores two out of three

Another winner, Entain, which now has the chance to win two licenses, was originally gunning for a three spaces. Entain CEO, Stella David, made the company’s intentions clear in its FY25 earnings call earlier this year. 

David noted that, with its exclusive betting brand TAB in New Zealand, Entain is the only online operator that could cross-sell between sports and iGaming.   

Despite previous skepticism on TAB being able to apply for a licence due to its betting monopoly, the operator will join the other 11 successful bidders in submitting an official application. 

Nearing the end

The auction is the second of a three-part liberalisation process for iGaming in New Zealand.

The first, an expression of interest (EOI) window, was opened in March of this year. Operators had to demonstrate they could meet various compliance requirements including having access to a minimum of NZ$7.5 million in capital, and a non-refundable fee of NZ$19,000. 

Operators which have not applied for a licence in New Zealand by December, will have to cease operations by 1 December.

The final stage, where iGaming licences will be approved based on auction payment and completion of a ‘comprehensive’ application, are expected to be issued in early 2027.

Kathryn Evans

Kathryn covers bitesize breaking news with a primary focus on EMEA and US legislation. A proud North Walian, fluent Welsh speaker and lifelong Wrexham FC fan – long before Hollywood came calling.