Entain, TAB NZ and Stake among 11 winners in NZ online casino licence auction
The auction price was NZ$15 million per licence for the right to apply, and Entain-linked entities hold three of the 15 places, while Stake New Zealand was also successful.
Entain-linked entities and Stake New Zealand are among 11 successful bidders in New Zealand’s auction for 15 rights to apply for online casino licences, with a final price of NZ$15 million per licence.
The Department of Internal Affairs confirmed the result this week. The ascending clock auction drew 32 bidders and ran for 10 rounds between September 29 and October 12.
Baytree Interactive (Betway) won three rights to apply. Playvia Gaming (NZ), owned by Entain, and Rock Swift Group each won two.
TAB New Zealand, which Entain operates under a 25-year partnership, won one right to apply. Two SkyCity entities, Stake New Zealand, Christchurch Online NZ, One Casino, Rush Entertainment and Skill On Net also won one each.
Winning the auction does not guarantee a licence. Successful bidders must pay the auction price and submit a full application, including a business plan and strategies for harm minimisation, marketing and compliance.
From December 1, online casino providers that have not applied for a licence must cease operating in New Zealand. The department expects the licensed regime to be fully operational in 2027.
