New Zealand selects eleven bidders for online casino licenses

Major betting brands clear the first hurdle in the new New Zealand online casino market.

Written by the BettingEdgeHub desk, 14 October 2026

New Zealand selected eleven gambling operators to apply for online casino licenses after a competitive auction. The process moves the country closer to establishing a regulated market for digital casino games. Thirty two bidders competed across ten rounds before reaching a final price of fifteen million New Zealand dollars per license.

Successful brands and companies

The Department of Internal Affairs announced the successful applicants on October thirteen. Betway secured three application rights while Entain and Rock Swift Group received two each. SkyCity will apply through two separate entities. Other successful names include Stake, Christchurch Online, One Casino, Rush Entertainment, Skill On Net and TAB New Zealand.

Expansion plans for operators

Entain operates Ladbrokes and Neds in Australia and already has a strong presence in New Zealand through TAB. Securing this opportunity allows the company to expand beyond sports betting into online casino gaming. Stake is also pushing for international growth in regulated markets by adding another jurisdiction to its footprint.

Strict rules and deadlines

Winning a spot in the auction does not guarantee final regulatory approval. Operators must pay the fee and submit detailed applications covering business operations, advertising strategies and harm minimization plans. Regulators require strict player protections including mandatory deposit limits, break reminders and self exclusion options. Credit cards are banned for gambling payments under the new rules.

Transition to regulated market

Unlicensed providers currently serving New Zealand customers must submit a license application by December one, twenty twenty six. Operators failing to meet this deadline must stop offering online gambling in the country. New Zealand plans to issue the final operational licenses in early twenty twenty seven for an initial term of up to three years.

What it means for a bet

Punters will soon see familiar betting brands launch regulated online casinos with strict deposit limits and consumer protections.

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