New Zealand has named 11 successful bidders in its first online casino licensing auction, clearing an important hurdle toward the launch of a regulated market in 2027. However, none of the companies has received an operating license yet.
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) announced the results on October 13, 2026, confirming that 32 bidders participated across 10 auction rounds. Eleven entities secured the 15 available rights to apply for an online casino license, with the final auction price reaching NZ$15 million per application right.
Successful bidders include companies associated with Betway, Entain, Stake, SkillOnNet and SkyCity Entertainment Group.
The results establish which businesses can proceed to the next stage of licensing, but they do not confirm which casino brands will ultimately be authorized to operate.
Which Companies Secured New Zealand Casino License Rights?
Company | Number of Brands |
Betway (Baytree Interactive) | 3 |
Entain (Playvia Gaming) | 2 |
Rock Swift Group | 2 |
SkyCity Entertainment Group (two subsidiaries) | 2 |
1 | |
SkillOnNet | 1 |
TAB New Zealand | 1 |
Christchurch Online NZ | 1 |
One Casino | 1 |
Rush Entertainment | 1 |
The auction gives these companies the opportunity to submit applications, not an automatic right to launch online casinos.
Each applicant must still satisfy suitability, regulatory compliance and consumer-protection requirements before a license can be issued.
The distinction matters for players searching for New Zealand casino apps. A successful auction bidder should not yet be described as a licensed New Zealand online casino.
What Happens to Casino Apps From December 1?
New Zealand's next important deadline is December 1, 2026.
Online casino providers that have not submitted a license application must stop serving New Zealand customers. Businesses with applications awaiting a decision may continue operating under transitional exemptions, but advertising restrictions will apply.
The new framework is expected to become operational during 2027.
For international operators, the transition could require changes to their mobile platforms, including identity verification, player location controls, payment processing and responsible gambling systems.
It could also affect which casino apps and mobile websites remain accessible to New Zealand players.
However, the DIA has not yet confirmed the final licensed brands or announced specific mobile app launches resulting from the auction.
A New Test for International Casino Apps
New Zealand's approach differs from countries that have recently moved toward broader online gambling prohibitions.
Rather than eliminating the online casino market, the government is establishing a limited licensing system with a maximum of 15 operators.
For casino app providers, that creates an opportunity to enter a regulated market, but also introduces new compliance obligations.
The key developments to watch in 2027 will be which bidders receive licenses, which brands they launch, and how their mobile casino products adapt to New Zealand's requirements.
The auction has decided who can apply. It has not yet decided which casino apps New Zealand players will legally be able to use in 2027.
Source Used
New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs. (2026, October 13). Information for online casino providers: Licensing and compliance. New Zealand Government. Official auction results and licensing requirements.