SkillOnNet Advances in New Zealand’s Online Casino Licensing Process
New Zealand.- 21 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com SkillOnNet, the international entertainment and iGaming group, has confirmed that it is among the 11 operators selected to apply for an online casino licence in New Zealand, following the country’s competitive licensing auction.
The announcement, made on 20 October 2026, marks an important step in the company’s international expansion strategy, with plans to introduce its flagship brand PlayOJO into the forthcoming regulated market.
However, securing the right to apply does not constitute final authorisation to operate.
NZ$15 Million Licence Auction
New Zealand’s regulatory framework, established under the Online Casino Gambling Act, came into force in May 2026 and allows for a maximum of 15 online casino licences.
The competitive auction produced the following results:
- 32 participating bidders.
- 10 auction rounds.
- 11 successful operators.
- 15 available application rights.
- NZ$15 million as the final price per licence.
Some companies secured the right to submit multiple applications.
Other successful participants include businesses associated with Entain, Stake, SkyCity and Betway.
Player Protection and Regulatory Requirements
Operators progressing beyond the auction must now submit complete licence applications and demonstrate compliance with the new framework.
Regulatory assessments will address:
- Consumer protection and responsible gambling.
- Age and identity verification.
- Advertising and commercial communications.
- Operational transparency.
- Compliance with regulatory obligations.
The legislation aims to minimise gambling-related harm while establishing a supervised and accountable digital gaming market.
Winning the right to apply does not guarantee that a licence will be granted.
SkillOnNet Targets Growth Through PlayOJO
SkillOnNet believes New Zealand offers significant opportunities for further international expansion.
The company currently holds 16 gaming licences across Europe and the Americas, including regulated markets such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Alberta.
Maor Nutkevitch, Head of Corporate Development at SkillOnNet, welcomed the company’s progression to the next stage, highlighting its extensive experience operating across regulated jurisdictions.
He also emphasised the group’s ambition to establish PlayOJO as one of New Zealand’s leading online casino destinations.
Next Steps and Impact
SkillOnNet will now proceed with its full licence application for assessment by New Zealand’s regulatory authorities.
The country’s licensed online casino framework is expected to become fully operational during 2027, following the completion of the regulatory approval process.
SkillOnNet’s participation reflects growing international interest in a market designed to combine regulated competition, consumer protection and operational transparency.
For the wider iGaming industry, New Zealand represents a new expansion opportunity, although successful applicants must meet comprehensive regulatory requirements before receiving permission to operate.
Editó: @fonta
