Stake, Entain and Dabble Join Race for New Zealand Online Casino Licences

Heather Gartland
By: Heather Gartland
Industry

New Zealand Online Casino License Applications - AI Image

Key Takeaways

  • Stake, Entain and Dabble are reportedly among the operators that submitted expressions of interest for New Zealand online casino licences.
  • New Zealand will make up to 15 online casino licences available, with no operator permitted to hold more than three.
  • The competitive auction stage is expected to take place in September, ahead of major market changes from 1 December 2026.

New Zealand’s new online casino market is attracting some major international gambling operators, with Stake, Entain and Dabble reportedly joining the competition for one of the country’s limited online casino licences.

The expression-of-interest stage closed on 14 August as New Zealand moves towards the next phase of its new regulated online gambling system.

According to Australian media reports, Stake, Entain and Dabble are among the gambling businesses understood to have lodged expressions of interest with the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). SkyCity Entertainment, which already operates land-based casinos in New Zealand, is also reported to be involved.

Up to 15 Online Casino Licences Available

Up to 15 licences will be made available, with each licence covering a single casino brand. One operator can secure a maximum of three licences.

The licences will initially be valid for up to three years, with the possibility of renewal for a further five years.

Licensing Detail

New Zealand Online Casino Regime

Maximum licences

15

Brands per licence

One

Maximum per operator

Three

Initial licence term

Up to three years

Potential renewal

Further five years

EOI deadline

14 August 2026

Competitive auction

Expected September 2026

Major market change

1 December 2026

The licensing process consists of three stages, beginning with expressions of interest before progressing to a competitive auction and the formal licence application and assessment process.

Stake Targets Another Regulated Market

Stake is one of the most recognisable names reportedly entering the New Zealand process.

The online gambling company has expanded into a number of regulated jurisdictions in recent years while building a large international casino and sportsbook operation.

Securing a New Zealand licence would give Stake an opportunity to operate within one of the region’s newest regulated online casino markets.

Entain Already Has a Major New Zealand Presence

Entain is also well positioned because it already has an established presence in New Zealand.

The international gambling group operates the country’s TAB racing and sports betting business through its partnership with TAB New Zealand. Its wider portfolio includes major gambling brands such as Ladbrokes.

Entain had already signalled earlier this year that it intended to pursue New Zealand online casino licences.

Adding online casino gambling would potentially allow the group to operate across racing, sports betting and casino products in the New Zealand market.

Dabble Looks Beyond Sports Betting

Dabble is another Australian-linked gambling business reportedly taking part in the process.

Best known as an online sportsbook, Dabble has been expanding beyond its original Australian sports betting operation.

What Happens Next?

Operators that successfully pass the EOI stage will move into the competitive part of the licensing process.

The auction is expected to use an ascending-clock format, where the price increases through successive rounds until demand for the available licences is reduced to the required level.

Winning an auction does not automatically mean an operator receives a full licence. Successful bidders must still complete the formal application process and satisfy New Zealand’s regulatory requirements.

From 1 December 2026, the market changes significantly. Only operators that have successfully progressed through the new licensing process will be permitted to continue providing online casino gambling to customers in New Zealand under the transitional arrangements.

Other offshore casinos will be required to leave the New Zealand market.

 

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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