New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs has named 11 entities — including subsidiaries of Betway, Entain, Stake and SkyCity — that secured rights to apply for online casino licences following a 10-round auction that drew 32 bidders. Each right to apply cost NZ$15m (€7.5m), with up to 15 licences expected to be issued as the country moves toward a regulated online gambling market ahead of a December 1, 2026 deadline for unlicensed operators.
New Zealand has revealed the 11 entities advancing in its online casino licensing process, according to a report published by iGamingToday.com on October 13, 2026. Major operators including Betway, Stake, Entain and SkyCity secured rights to apply for licences under the country’s new regulated market framework.
The announcement closes the first competitive stage of the process and moves the market closer to its planned 2027 launch.
Auction Drew 32 Bidders Across 10 rounds
A total of 32 bidders participated in the licence auction, which ran for 10 rounds, according to iGamingToday.com. Each successful applicant paid NZ$15m (€7.5m) per right to apply, with up to 15 licences expected to be issued under the new framework.
The Department of Internal Affairs published the full list of successful applicants:
– Betway (Baytree Interactive Ltd) — three rights to apply – Entain (Playvia Gaming Ltd) — two rights – Rock Swift Group Ltd — two rights – Christchurch Online NZ Ltd – One Casino Ltd – Rush Entertainment Ltd – Skill On Net Ltd – SkyCity NZ Online NO1 Ltd – SkyCity NZ Online NO2 Ltd – Stake New Zealand Ltd – TAB New Zealand
The Department said it will not yet disclose the brands each successful applicant intends to operate under.
Betway Secures Strongest Position With Three Rights
Betway owner Super Group secured the strongest position through its Baytree Interactive subsidiary, which obtained three rights to apply — the most held by any single entity in the process, according to the report.
Entain obtained two rights to apply through its Playvia Gaming subsidiary while also maintaining a presence through TAB New Zealand, which it operates under a long-term strategic partnership. The company has previously identified New Zealand as a key opportunity, particularly because its position in the country’s sports betting market could provide advantages when the online casino sector opens. Entain has launched the Blackrush Casino and FoxySpins brands in the market, iGamingToday.com reported.
Stake Calls New Zealand a “Strong Fit”
Stake’s inclusion continues the company’s push into regulated jurisdictions. A Stake spokesperson told NEXT.io, “We’re really excited about the opportunity in New Zealand as the market moves towards regulation.”
“It’s a strong fit for Stake and another important step in growing our presence globally,” the spokesperson added. “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.”
Licence Not Guaranteed — Next Steps Ahead
Securing a right to apply does not guarantee a licence. The 11 successful applicants must now move to the next stage, where the Department of Internal Affairs will carry out a full assessment before deciding which companies receive one of the up to 15 available licences.
Operators will need to submit detailed information about their businesses, including plans for the New Zealand market, marketing strategies and customer protection measures. The DIA can also request additional information before reaching a final decision.
December 1 Deadline Looms for Unlicensed Operators
From December 1, 2026, operators that have not submitted a licence application will no longer be permitted to offer online gambling services to customers in New Zealand. Companies with applications under review can continue operating while awaiting a decision.
