DigiPlus Withdraws From New Zealand Online Casino Licensing Auction
New Zealand.- 16 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com DigiPlus Interactive Corporation, one of the Philippines’ leading online gaming operators, has announced its withdrawal from the final stages of New Zealand’s online casino licensing auction, following further market analysis and an assessment of commercial valuations.
The decision was disclosed in a regulatory filing dated 14 October 2026 and represents an adjustment to the company’s international expansion plans.
The announcement comes as DigiPlus also faces regulatory difficulties in Brazil, another market previously identified as a potential growth opportunity outside the Philippines.
However, the company stated that its withdrawal from New Zealand will not materially affect its existing operations or represent a departure from its international strategy.
DigiPlus Reassesses Its Participation
DigiPlus initially disclosed its interest in obtaining a New Zealand online gambling licence on 4 August 2026.
The company intended to participate in the country’s new regulatory framework, which will allow international operators to compete for online casino licences.
However, following an additional assessment of the commercial conditions, DigiPlus decided not to participate in the final auction rounds.
In its regulatory disclosure, the company explained that the decision followed further market analysis and a reassessment of valuations.
DigiPlus did not specify which commercial factors were decisive or announce plans to submit another application.
New Zealand Concludes Auction for 15 Licences
DigiPlus’s withdrawal coincides with the completion of the competitive process organised by New Zealand authorities.
The auction concluded with 11 entities securing the right to apply for a total of 15 online casino licences.
Key figures include:
- Available licences: 15.
- Successful bidding entities: 11.
- Final auction price: NZ$15 million per licence.
- Approximate equivalent: US$8.4 million per licence.
- Fully operational licensing regime: expected in 2027.
The price represents a significant financial commitment for companies seeking to enter the market.
However, winning the auction does not automatically grant permission to operate.
Successful bidders must still complete regulatory assessments before receiving final authorisation.
A New Regulated Online Casino Market
New Zealand is moving towards a licensing framework that will transform its online casino industry.
The new regime is intended to replace the current arrangements, under which consumers can access certain overseas gambling websites without those businesses being subject to an equivalent domestic licensing system.
The reform aims to establish a supervised market with specific requirements for authorised businesses.
Its principal objectives include:
- Strengthening oversight of online operators.
- Improving consumer protection.
- Introducing regulatory compliance requirements.
- Increasing supervision of international gambling platforms.
- Establishing clearer operating conditions for the industry.
Authorities expect the system to become fully operational during 2027.
Regulatory Implementation Timetable
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), responsible for the process, has established several stages for the transition.
The timetable includes:
September–October 2026
Online casino licence auction conducted and concluded.
October 2026
Full licence applications open for successful bidders.
1 December 2026
Operating restrictions take effect for providers that have not submitted a licence application.
During 2027
Full implementation of the new regulated market.
Licences will be valid for an initial period of up to three years, with the possibility of renewal for a further five years.
International Operators Compete for Market Access
The regulatory opening has attracted interest from numerous international gambling companies.
Groups associated with entities selected to proceed include:
- SkyCity Entertainment Group.
- Entain.
- Stake.
- Betway.
- Super Group.
These businesses are among the companies looking to benefit from the opportunities created by the new framework.
Their participation reflects New Zealand’s appeal as an expansion market for the iGaming industry.
However, every operator must satisfy the relevant regulatory assessments and conditions before beginning licensed operations.
Brazil Presents Another Challenge for DigiPlus
The withdrawal from New Zealand comes weeks after Brazil introduced restrictions on sports betting and online casino games.
On 25 September 2026, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva adopted a provisional measure establishing a prohibition covering these activities.
The measure required affected betting websites and applications to cease operations from 6 October.
Although the measure entered into effect, congressional approval is required for it to become permanent legislation.
The development created uncertainty for operators that had invested in or planned entry into the Brazilian market.
DigiPlus Prioritises Customer Withdrawals in Brazil
DigiPlus responded to the Brazilian regulatory developments in a statement issued on 28 September 2026.
The company confirmed that it was taking steps to comply with the applicable requirements.
Its priorities include:
- Facilitating customer withdrawals.
- Ensuring the return of remaining player funds.
- Adjusting operations to comply with current restrictions.
- Monitoring legislative and judicial developments.
DigiPlus also stated that it did not anticipate a material effect on its overall financial or operating position.
The company described the situation as evolving and still subject to further legal developments.
South Africa Remains Part of Expansion Plans
Despite the developments in Brazil and New Zealand, DigiPlus continues exploring opportunities in other international markets.
One such market is South Africa, where the company has already undertaken regulatory steps to expand its activities.
The country represents another potential opportunity within its geographical diversification strategy.
The continuation of these efforts indicates that withdrawing from New Zealand does not necessarily mean suspending the company’s wider international ambitions.
However, future commercial developments will depend on regulatory approvals and local market conditions.
A More Selective International Strategy
Recent developments demonstrate the importance of assessing commercial and regulatory risks before entering new jurisdictions.
In New Zealand, DigiPlus withdrew after evaluating the economic value of the licences.
In Brazil, regulatory changes altered the conditions under which the company expected to develop its business.
The two situations illustrate different challenges:
- New Zealand: licensing costs, competitive conditions and commercial valuations.
- Brazil: legislative uncertainty and operating restrictions.
- South Africa: an alternative expansion opportunity subject to local regulation.
For DigiPlus, the challenge is identifying international growth opportunities consistent with its financial and operational objectives.
Next Steps and Impact
DigiPlus Interactive’s withdrawal from New Zealand’s online casino licensing auction represents a significant adjustment to its expansion plans.
The New Zealand process will continue with 11 successful bidding entities and 15 available licences, following a final auction price of NZ$15 million per authorisation.
The Philippine operator maintains that its decision will neither affect existing business operations nor alter its international expansion strategy.
Nevertheless, the withdrawal, combined with regulatory challenges in Brazil, highlights the obstacles operators face when entering new markets.
Over the coming months, DigiPlus will need to assess alternative expansion opportunities while New Zealand moves towards implementing its licensed online casino regime in 2027.
For the iGaming industry, the case demonstrates that licensing costs, market entry conditions and regulatory stability are decisive factors in operators’ international expansion strategies.
Editó: @fonta
