New Zealand DIA Advances 11 Companies Including SkyCity and Stake to Online Casino Licence Application Round
New Zealand’s DIA has invited 11 companies including SkyCity (for two licences), Betway, Entain, Stake and TAB to apply for one of 15 online casino licences under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 at US$8.4m each. Auction success grants only the right to apply; full business, marketing and consumer protection plans are required with no guarantee of approval.
SCCG Take — The shortlist sets a competitive but structured path into New Zealand’s regulated online market that places explicit weight on consumer protections during assessment.
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) in New Zealand has published a list of 11 companies invited to apply for online casino gambling licences under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026.
15 licences are available. Each carries a price of US$8.4m. The DIA has confirmed that the preceding auction determined only the right to apply; it does not guarantee any licence will be granted.
The 11 entities are Baytree Interactive Limited (Betway), Christchurch Online NZ Limited, One Casino Limited, Playvia Gaming (NZ) Limited (Entain), Rock Swift Group Limited, 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 G3 Newswire, the DIA stated: “The auction determined who has won the right to apply for an online casino gambling licence. Successful participation in the auction does not guarantee that a licence will be granted, and all successful entities must now proceed through a detailed application and assessment process before any licensing decisions are made.”
Applications must include a business plan, marketing strategies and consumer protection outlines. SkyCity Entertainment Chief Executive Jason Walbridge said: “We are excited to have been successful in the auction to apply for two licences and to be taking the next step towards entering the online casino gambling market in New Zealand. We know New Zealanders trust the SkyCity brand, and we will combine that trust with our deep knowledge of the New Zealand market to build a successful online business here.”
Invited Operators Include Domestic and International Names
The shortlist features SkyCity seeking two licences, alongside TAB New Zealand, Stake New Zealand Limited, Betway and Entain through Playvia Gaming (NZ) Limited. The remaining six applicants consist of other domestic and specialist entities that met the auction threshold.
Application Requirements Focus on Business and Consumer Safeguards
All 11 must now submit detailed documentation covering operational plans, marketing approaches and consumer protections. The DIA process will assess these materials before any of the 15 licences are issued.
Reporting: G3 Newswire
Generated by SCCG’s automated editorial system from published source reporting. SCCG Management holds editorial responsibility.
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