Business · Companies · 6 hrs ago
New Zealand names 11 groups eligible to apply for online casino licences
New Zealand selected 11 entities to apply for online casino licences after an auction drew 32 bidders.
The Department of Internal Affairs set the price at NZ$15 million per licence, with 15 licences available.
Being selected does not guarantee a licence; each entity must now meet the country’s requirements through a detailed assessment.
SkyCity Entertainment secured the right to apply for two licences, while other selected entities include Baytree Interactive, Stake New Zealand and TAB New Zealand.
The brands that will operate under licences have not been disclosed.
Licences are expected from early 2027, and online casino operators active in New Zealand that were not selected must leave the market by the end of next month.
Forsyth Barr analysts say SkyCity’s online venture may be more strategic than financially significant, as it could help protect the company if customers shift away from its physical casinos.
New Zealand selected 11 entities to proceed in its online casino licensing process after an auction that attracted 32 bidders.
The auction set the price of each of 15 available licences at NZ$15 million.
The selected entities must now show they meet licensing requirements, and being selected does not guarantee a licence.
Other online casino operators active in New Zealand that were not selected must leave the market by the end of next month.
Licences are expected to be issued from early 2027.
- Who
- New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs selected 11 entities, including Baytree Interactive, Playvia Gaming (NZ), Rock Swift Group and SkyCity NZ Online.
- What
- The entities earned the right to apply for online casino licences. They must still pass an application and assessment process.
- When
- The selection was announced on 13 October 2026.
- Where
- New Zealand.
- Why
- The auction is part of the process to regulate online casino gambling and allocate licences.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The licensing auction attracted 32 bidders and concluded after 10 rounds.
The Department of Internal Affairs announced the 11 entities selected to proceed.
Operators active in New Zealand that were not selected must withdraw from the market.
Licences are expected to be issued.
- Selected entities
- 11
- Auction bidders
- 32
- Auction rounds
- 10
- Available licences
- 15
- Price per licence
- NZ$15 million
- Expected licence issue
- From early 2027
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What people are saying
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.
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.