New Zealand Names 11 Successful Online Casino Auction Bidders

Eleven entities have won the right to apply for New Zealand online casino licences after an auction that attracted 32 bidders, the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) has confirmed.

The auction ran from 29 September to 12 October and ended at NZ$15 million per licence after 10 rounds. The result gives the successful bidders a route into the application stage, but it does not guarantee that any of them will receive a licence.

Who Won the Right to Apply?

The DIA named Baytree Interactive Limited, Christchurch Online NZ Limited, One Casino Limited, Playvia Gaming (NZ) Limited, Rock Swift Group Limited, Rush Entertainment Limited, Skill On Net Limited, two SkyCity NZ Online entities, Stake New Zealand Limited and TAB New Zealand.

Interestingly, Baytree secured three rights to play, while Playvia and Rock Swift both secured two. The remaining eight entities secured one apiece – which brings the total to 15 available application rights.

Importantly, the DIA has not yet published the casino brands that may operate under those licences. It stated that operators may make changes during the application process, and that approved brands will appear on a public register once licences have been awarded.

What Happens Before Licences Are Granted?

Successful bidders need to complete a detailed application and show that they’re “suitable to hold a licence”. The DIA says applicants must also provide a business plan and strategies covering advertising, consumer protection, harm prevention and compliance, among other information.

Under the licensing framework, each licence will be allowed to cover one brand. Licences run for up to three years, with the possibility of them then being renewed for an additional five years.

No single party or entity is allowed to hold more than 3 licences at the same time.

What Changes on 1 December?

From December 1 2026, providers that haven’t applied for a licence must stop providing online casino gambling in New Zealand entirely – although it remains to be seen what enforcement we’ll see, if any.

Providers with an application under consideration can continue operating without advertising while it is assessed. The DIA expects the fully licensed system to be in place in 2027, although an exact date hasn’t been given.

Sources: DIA: licensing and compliance