New Zealand Names 11 Companies in Online Casino Licence Process.
New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has selected 11 entities eligible to apply for the country’s online casino licences. Under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, a maximum of 15 licences will be available.
Successful Bidders
The successful bidders may now enter the licence application phase, following an auction that drew 32 participants and ran for 10 rounds. The final price was NZ$15 million (US$8.4 million) per licence. However, winning the right to apply does not guarantee a licence. The DIA said each entity must complete a detailed application and assessment process before any licensing decisions are made. Those progressing include SkyCity Entertainment Group, Entain, Stake, Betway, Rush Entertainment and Skill On Net. The full list is:
- Baytree Interactive Limited (Betway) 3 rights to apply
- Christchurch Online NZ Limited
- One Casino Limited
- Playvia Gaming (NZ) Limited (Entain) 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
Application Requirements
To apply, successful bidders must pay the NZ$15 million amount and submit a comprehensive application. This includes a business plan and detailed proposals covering advertising and marketing, consumer protection, harm prevention and minimization, and compliance. Applicants may also be asked to provide further information.
Read Also: New Zealand Enacts Legislation to Create a Regulated Online Casino Licensing Framework
The DIA will use these materials, along with information submitted during the expression-of-interest stage, to assess whether each provider is suitable and capable of meeting the applicable requirements.
Rules Take Effect in December 2026
The new rules will take effect on 1 December 2026. Online casino providers that have not applied for a licence must stop operating in New Zealand from that date. Providers with an application under consideration may continue operating, but will be prohibited from advertising until a decision is made.
As previously reported by IAG, the licensing framework is intended to bring New Zealand’s existing grey-market online casino activity into a regulated system and provide a safer environment for local consumers. The move also places New Zealand alongside the Philippines as one of only two jurisdictions in Asia offering a comprehensive range of regulated online gaming services to the domestic market.
