New Zealand Awards Rights to Apply for 15 Online Casino Licences
New Zealand.- 14 October 2026 | www.zonadeazar.com New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has confirmed the completion of its online casino licence auction, with 11 companies securing the rights to apply for all 15 available licences under the country’s new regulatory framework.
The auction concluded on 12 October 2026, following ten bidding rounds, with the final price reaching NZ$15 million per licence application right.
The outcome represents a significant milestone towards the introduction of New Zealand’s regulated online casino market, which is expected to become fully operational in 2027.
Auction Attracts 32 Bidders
The competitive auction took place between 29 September and 12 October 2026, using an ascending clock auction format.
A total of 32 bidders participated, with the process concluding after ten rounds.
The price gradually increased until reaching NZ$15 million per licence, at which point demand matched the available supply.
The system was designed to ensure transparency, fairness and equal treatment among participants.
Eleven Successful Companies
The DIA published the official list of companies securing the right to apply for licences:
- Baytree Interactive Limited: 3 rights.
- Christchurch Online NZ Limited: 1 right.
- One Casino Limited: 1 right.
- Playvia Gaming (NZ) Limited: 2 rights.
- Rock Swift Group Limited: 2 rights.
- Rush Entertainment Limited: 1 right.
- Skill On Net Limited: 1 right.
- SkyCity NZ Online NO1 Limited: 1 right.
- SkyCity NZ Online NO2 Limited: 1 right.
- Stake New Zealand Limited: 1 right.
- TAB New Zealand: 1 right.
Together, these companies secured the 15 available application rights.
The list includes businesses associated with internationally recognised gaming brands alongside operators already established in New Zealand.
Potential Auction Value of NZ$225 Million
With a final price of NZ$15 million per application right, the combined value of the 15 successful bids amounts to NZ$225 million.
This represents the total financial commitment associated with the auction, subject to successful bidders completing the required payments.
Importantly, winning an application right does not guarantee that a licence will ultimately be issued.
Each successful bidder must first complete a detailed regulatory assessment.
SkyCity, Stake and TAB Among Successful Bidders
Three participants stand out within the New Zealand gambling market.
SkyCity Entertainment Group secured two application rights through SkyCity NZ Online NO1 Limited and SkyCity NZ Online NO2 Limited.
Stake New Zealand Limited obtained one right, while TAB New Zealand also secured a place in the licensing process.
Their participation highlights the interest shown by established operators and international gaming brands in New Zealand’s regulated online casino market.
Licences Valid for Up to Three Years
Under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, a maximum of 15 licences may be issued.
Each licence will initially remain valid for up to three years, with the possibility of renewal for a further five years.
The legislation also establishes two key conditions:
- Each licence will cover one commercial brand.
- No company may receive more than three licences through the current process.
The approved brands will be published in an official register once the relevant licensing decisions have been made.
Regulatory Assessment Begins
Successful auction participants will be able to submit their formal licence applications during October.
The process requires detailed information covering:
- Commercial and operational business plans.
- Advertising and marketing strategies.
- Consumer protection measures.
- Gambling harm prevention and minimisation.
- Regulatory compliance procedures.
The DIA will assess each applicant’s suitability before granting any operating authorisation.
Restrictions Begin on 1 December
The new framework establishes an important deadline for companies currently providing online casino services in New Zealand.
From 1 December 2026, operators that have not submitted a licence application must cease their activities in the country.
Businesses with applications under consideration may continue operating temporarily while their submissions are assessed.
However, the prohibition on online casino advertising will remain in force during this transitional period.
Operators whose applications are rejected will be required to exit the market.
Consumer Protection and Responsible Gambling
The regulatory framework introduces requirements intended to strengthen consumer protection and reduce gambling-related harm.
These include standards governing advertising, record-keeping, harm minimisation and technical compliance.
The authorities aim to establish a supervised market in which licensed operators meet consistent safety and responsible gambling requirements.
The DIA also intends to publish an official register enabling customers to identify authorised online casino providers.
Regulated Market Expected in 2027
The New Zealand Government expects the fully regulated online casino system to become operational during 2027.
The implementation timetable includes:
- 12 October 2026: auction concludes.
- October 2026: formal licence applications begin.
- 1 December 2026: restrictions take effect for operators without applications.
- 2027: full implementation of the regulated licensing system.
The phased approach will allow the authorities to complete regulatory assessments and establish the necessary supervisory infrastructure.
Next Steps and Impact
The allocation of 15 application rights among 11 companies represents a major development in New Zealand’s online casino regulatory framework.
The participation of operators such as SkyCity, Stake and TAB New Zealand demonstrates the commercial interest surrounding the new licensing system.
However, the auction outcome represents only a preliminary stage: successful bidders must still demonstrate their suitability and regulatory compliance before receiving operating licences.
During the coming months, attention will focus on licence applications, regulatory assessments, the departure of operators outside the new system and preparations for the regulated market’s launch in 2027.
The implementation process will move New Zealand towards a dedicated licensing regime featuring government supervision, clearly defined operating requirements and enhanced consumer protection measures.
Editó: @fonta
