Entain Targets Maximum Three Licences with BlackRush Soft Launch in Advance of New Zealand Online Casino Regulation
Entain soft launched BlackRush Casino after New Zealand opened bidding for 15 online casino licences on September 29, 2026. The operator aims to secure the maximum three licences per company to enable cross-selling in a market estimated at £600 million annually, where it already generates £200 million via sports betting. All winners must still clear a full licensing process with five compliance documents before the 2027 launch.
SCCG Take — Entain leverages its TAB NZ sports betting base for iGaming cross-sell potential, but the five-document assessment and three-licence cap will test execution for all applicants in this channelised market.
Entain has soft launched BlackRush Casino for the New Zealand market. The brand appeared shortly after the country opened an auction for 15 online casino approvals on September 29, 2026. Successful bidders earn the right to submit formal licence applications before the regulated market launches.
BlackRush operates under Entain’s ElectraWorks Gibraltar licence and requires a New Zealand VPN for access. It runs on a separate platform shared with FoxySpins, which draws on Entain’s FoxyBingo identity. The casino brands will join the operator’s existing local sports betting operations through betcha and TAB, supported by a 25-year strategic partnership with TAB NZ that provides exclusive sports betting market access.
Entain’s Licence Ambitions and Market Projections
Entain chief executive Stella David stated the company is confident it can secure all three licences available to a single operator. “I think the opportunity for us is significant because we’ll be the only player who will be able to do cross-sell,” David said. The Australia and New Zealand business, led by local CEO Andrew Vouris, is increasing its involvement and working with local partners.
David estimated New Zealand’s total market at about £600 million annually. Entain currently generates approximately £200 million in the region. The addition of iGaming brands could push that figure above £300 million. World Casino News reports these details, citing NEXT.io coverage of David’s comments.
The Licensing Process and Entry Barriers
Auction success does not grant automatic market access. Successful bidders must complete a formal licensing process requiring five separate documents that cover business planning, advertising, consumer protection, harm prevention and compliance. The framework also sets technical conditions for games and random number generators, though products already tested in the United Kingdom or Ontario can launch without further testing.
Each licence runs for an initial three-year term and may be renewed for five years. The full market is expected to launch in 2027, although authorities have not announced a precise start date. Other companies expressing interest include SkyCity, Super Group, DigiPlus, Stake and Dabble. Entain’s preparation of multiple brands underscores the need for all operators to clear these post-auction requirements before commercial operations can begin.
Reporting: World Casino News
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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