New Zealand Names 11 Successful Online Casino Auction Bidders

New Zealand names successful licence bidders - AI Image
Key Takeaways
- Eleven companies secured the right to apply for New Zealand's 15 online casino licences
- The auction attracted 32 bidders and concluded after 10 rounds, with a final price of NZ$15 million per licence
- Successful bidders must complete further regulatory assessments before receiving approval to operate
New Zealand has revealed the 11 companies that successfully secured the right to apply for online casino licences following a competitive government auction.
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) announced the results on 13 October 2026. A total of 32 bidders participated across 10 auction rounds, with the final price reaching NZ$15 million per licence application right.
The announcement marks another major step towards establishing New Zealand's regulated online casino market in 2027.
Which Companies Succeeded in New Zealand's Casino Auction?
The DIA confirmed the successful participants on its official licensing website, providing the complete list of companies advancing to the application stage.
Several international gambling operators feature among the successful bidders, alongside companies connected to established New Zealand gambling businesses.
|
Successful Auction Participant |
Licence Application Rights |
|
Baytree Interactive Limited |
3 |
|
Christchurch Online NZ Limited |
1 |
|
One Casino Limited |
1 |
|
Playvia Gaming (NZ) Limited |
2 |
|
Rock Swift Group Limited |
2 |
|
Rush Entertainment Limited |
1 |
|
Skill On Net Limited |
1 |
|
SkyCity NZ Online NO1 Limited |
1 |
|
SkyCity NZ Online NO2 Limited |
1 |
|
Stake New Zealand Limited |
1 |
|
TAB New Zealand |
1 |
|
Total |
15 |
Baytree Interactive, associated with Betway owner Super Group, secured the maximum three application rights.
Entain-linked Playvia Gaming obtained two, while TAB New Zealand, which operates under a long-term strategic partnership with Entain, secured another.
SkyCity Entertainment Group will pursue two licences through separate entities. Stake New Zealand and Skill On Net each secured one application right.
However, the DIA has not disclosed which casino brands the companies intend to operate.
Auction Winners Must Still Meet Licensing Requirements
Despite successfully completing the auction, none of the 11 entities has automatically received permission to operate a licensed online casino.
According to the Department of Internal Affairs, every successful participant must complete a detailed application and assessment process.
Applicants must submit business plans and meet New Zealand’s licence application requirements, covering consumer protection, responsible gambling, advertising and regulatory compliance.
Each licence will cover one casino brand and remain valid for up to three years, with the possibility of renewal for another five years.
No operator may control more than three licences under the new framework.
What Happens to Casinos That Missed Out?
The auction results also establish an important deadline for existing offshore casino operators serving New Zealand customers.
From 1 December 2026, providers that have not submitted a licence application must stop offering online casino gambling services in New Zealand.
Companies with applications under consideration may continue operating under transitional arrangements until regulators reach a decision.
However, they must comply with the existing prohibition on online casino advertising.
The new licensing system follows the introduction of the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, which aims to bring greater regulatory oversight to the country's offshore gambling market.
The government expects the fully licensed system to become operational in 2027, although it has not confirmed an exact launch date.
For players researching online casinos in New Zealand, the next significant development will be the DIA’s assessment of successful bidders and confirmation of which casino brands receive approval.
Heather Gartland is a seasoned casino content editor with over 20 years of experience in the online gambling industry. She specialises in casino reviews, pokies, bonuses, and responsible gambling content, helping players make informed decisions. Based in New Zealand, Heather brings a practical, player-first perspective to every article she writes.
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