New Zealand Clears 11 Operators to Apply for Online Gambling Licences

New Zealand has named the 11 operators cleared to apply for any of the 15 available online licences under its new gambling regime. The approvals followed a rigorous 10-round auction involving 32 bidders. Each licence is priced at NZ $15m (£6.4m).

Betway (Baytree Interactive Ltd) received three rights to apply. Entain (Playvia Gaming Ltd) and Rock Swift Group Ltd each secured two rights. The remaining operators hold single rights. The complete list comprises Christchurch Online NZ Ltd, One Casino Ltd, Rush Entertainment Ltd, Skill On Net Ltd, SkyCity NZ Online NO1 Ltd, SkyCity NZ Online NO2 Ltd (both SkyCity Entertainment subsidiaries), Stake New Zealand Ltd, and TAB New Zealand.

Application Requirements and Transition Rules

These clearances do not guarantee licences. All listed operators must now supply the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs with documentation for a full business assessment. Required materials include domestic business plans, marketing strategies, and consumer protection mechanisms, plus any further details the DIA requests.

The transition period ends 1 December 2026. Brands without applications must cease offering online gambling to New Zealand citizens on that date. Pending applications allow continued operation under a temporary advertising restriction until decisions are reached. New Zealand introduced its new online gambling regime on 3 July 2026 to regulate what had been a grey sector. Licences are scheduled to take effect 1 July 2027, with sports betting staying under Entain’s existing 20-year exclusive arrangement.

Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden said the reforms close the gambling tax loophole and require licensed operators to pay tax like any other business. She added that the measures ensure New Zealand law applies to all online casino gambling available in the country, regardless of operator location. “We’re really excited about the opportunity in New Zealand as the market moves towards regulation,” a Stake spokesperson remarked. “It’s a strong fit for Stake and another important step in growing our presence globally. This follows our expansion into Alberta, Argentina and Mexico this year, and reflects our wider strategy of entering new markets where we see long-term potential.”

Reporting: SBC News

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