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BlackRush Casino coming to New Zealand?
BlackRush is maintained through Entain’s ElectraWorks Gibraltar license and needs a VPN to New Zealand for access. It operates in concert with FoxySpins, another online casino platform for New Zealand customers that is not regulated by national authorities.
The two casino skins would be moved to Entain’s local sports betting operations, betcha and TAB, if approved. Entain itself also has a strong presence in New Zealand thanks to a 25-year partnership with TAB NZ, which acts as Entain’s land-access agreement.
New Zealand confirmed the full list of requirements for companies who hoped to obtain operator’s licenses through the auction last week. Gaining a slot in the auction did not mean that a license was guaranteed, instead giving operators the right to bid for a license.
The Department of Internal Affairs clarified that bidders were asked to submit five separate documents covering the following information: business planning, consumer protection, harm prevention, advertising, and compliance.
It also established a set of technology standards. Games and random number generators tested in the UK or Ontario would be approved without additional testing, but any games, titles, or technology without this background would be sent for a review.
Entain spots an opportunity
Entain’s CEO Stella David said during an FY25 earnings call that New Zealand’s online casino market represented an enormous opportunity for the gaming company.
According to an estimate referenced by David, New Zealand could help generate about $600 million annually. She also said that Entain already produces approximately $200 million in yearly revenue in the region, and the launch of new iGaming brands could easily help grow that number.
Additionally, David noted that Entain would be the only operator capable of cross-selling products thanks to its existing partnerships. That’s significant, since she claimed the local CEO Andrew Vouris was growing the company’s involvement in Australia and New Zealand through local partners.
Recipients of New Zealand’s licenses would be given initial three-year terms and can be renewed for five years. The market is expected to launch in 2027, although a specific date has not been confirmed.
Online casino platforms are allowed to offer casino-style gaming, such as slot machines, blackjack, table games, and other options through a regulated framework. Australia, although much larger than New Zealand, is estimated to reach anywhere from $5-13 billion over the next decade, depending on how the market matures.
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