Eleven Entities Including SkyCity, Entain and Stake Advance in New Zealand Online Casino License Auction
New Zealand’s DIA advanced 11 entities including SkyCity, Entain and Stake after an auction with 32 bidders that set a NZ$15 million per license fee. Entities must now submit detailed plans on consumer protection and harm prevention; approval is not guaranteed. The reform channels grey market activity into a regulated domestic framework.
SCCG Take — Strong bidder interest confirms market demand, yet the rigorous application standards will test operators’ compliance readiness. Regulators have set a clear licensing bar that prioritizes player safeguards over speed to market.
New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs has named the 11 entities that secured the right to apply for one or more of the maximum 15 licenses available under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026. The auction drew 32 bidders and concluded after 10 rounds, with the final price set at NZ$15 million (US$8.4 million) per license.
The successful entities are Baytree Interactive Limited (Betway) with 3 rights to apply, Christchurch Online NZ Limited, One Casino Limited, Playvia Gaming (NZ) Limited (Entain) with 2 rights to apply, Rock Swift Group Limited with 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, and TAB New Zealand. As reported by Inside Asian Gaming, these include SkyCity Entertainment Group, Entain and Stake among the named participants.
Application Requirements Following the Auction
Success in the auction does not guarantee a license. The entities must now pay the NZ$15 million fee and submit a full application that includes a business plan plus detailed strategies covering advertising and marketing, consumer protection, harm prevention and minimization, and compliance. The Department of Internal Affairs will use this material, along with earlier expression of interest data, to determine suitability and ability to meet all regulatory requirements.
From 1 December 2026, providers that have not applied for a license must cease online casino gambling in New Zealand. Applicants receive an exemption to continue operating, without advertising, until a decision is reached.
Regulatory Aim and Regional Context
The framework is designed to channel the country’s existing grey market operations into a licensed and supervised environment that offers greater safety for participants. New Zealand now stands with the Philippines as the only two jurisdictions in Asia providing a comprehensive suite of regulated online gaming to the domestic market. The process places clear emphasis on harm minimization and compliance as conditions for entry.
Reporting: Inside Asian Gaming
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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