New Zealand’s online casino market is moving toward its 1 December opening with operators now waiting for the next stage of a licensing process that will determine which businesses can continue serving local customers.
The expression-of-interest phase ended on 14 August, leaving prospective operators to prepare for a competitive auction expected in September. The country plans to issue a maximum of 15 online casino licences, with each licence linked to a single casino brand and each operator limited to three.
The process follows the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, which came into force on 1 May. Operators that progress through the licensing stages will have to complete the formal application and assessment process before receiving full approval.
Existing New Zealand Businesses Enter the Race
Several Australian-linked companies are understood to have entered the competition. Stake, founded by Australian billionaire Ed Craven, has reportedly lodged an expression of interest after expanding into regulated markets including Italy, Brazil, Colombia and Peru.
Entain is another prominent participant. The company already has a substantial New Zealand operation through TAB’s racing and sports betting business, while its wider portfolio includes Neds and Ladbrokes. Entain had also indicated earlier this year that it intended to pursue online casino licences.
Dabble, an Australian sports betting and daily fantasy sports platform, is also reportedly seeking entry. The company obtained online casino authorisation in the UK earlier this year.
Perth-based Virtual Gaming Worlds (VGW), founded by Laurence Escalante, has also been associated with the licensing process. VGW had previously denied plans to enter New Zealand’s online gambling market, although reports said the company or interests connected to Escalante had considered submitting an EOI.
SkyCity Entertainment brings an existing physical casino presence to the field. The ASX-listed company operates five casino properties across New Zealand and Australia and already runs an online casino based in Malta.
A Short Window for Offshore Operators
SkyCity has estimated the New Zealand online casino market could be worth about NZ 1 billion (US$595 million), according to its FY26 results presentation.
The potential size of the market comes as the government prepares to change the rules for offshore operators. From 1 December, only operators that have successfully progressed through the new licensing process will be permitted to provide online casino gambling under the transitional arrangements. Other offshore casinos will be required to leave the New Zealand market.
The auction itself will use an ascending-clock format, according to the information provided on the process. Prices increase through successive rounds until demand falls to the level needed for the available licences.
An auction victory will still leave operators with another regulatory hurdle. Successful bidders must submit formal applications and satisfy New Zealand’s requirements before they can secure a licence.
Initial licences will remain valid for up to three years, with the possibility of renewal for another five years. With only 15 available places and a three-licence limit for each operator, the coming auction will determine which businesses gain a position before the market’s scheduled December opening.
Source:
“Stake, VGW, and Dabble among Australian operators eyeing New Zealand online casino licenses”, completeigaming.com. Aug 20, 2026
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