SkyCity, TAB, Bwetay and Stake among those still involved
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) in New Zealand has published a list of 11 companies that have progressed to the next round for online gaming licences.
They have now been invited to apply for one of the 15 licenses available under New Zealand’s Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 for a price of US$8.4m.
These companies are Baytree Interactive Limited (Betway), Christchurch Online NZ Limited, One Casino Limited, Playvia Gaming (NZ) Limited (Entain), Rock Swift Group Limited, Rush Entertainment Limited, Skill On Net Limited, SkyCity NZ Online NO1 Limited, SkyCity NZ Online NO2 Limited, Stake New Zealand Limited and TAB New Zealand.
The application must provide a business plan and marketing strategies as well as outline consumer protection.
The Department of Internal Affairs said: “The auction determined who has won the right to apply for an online casino gambling licence. Successful participation in the auction does not guarantee that a licence will be granted, and all successful entities must now proceed through a detailed application and assessment process before any licensing decisions are made.”
SkyCity Entertainment Chief Executive Jason Walbridge said: “We are excited to have been successful in the auction to apply for two licences and to be taking the next step towards entering the online casino gambling market in New Zealand. We know New Zealanders trust the SkyCity brand, and we will combine that trust with our deep knowledge of the New Zealand market to build a successful online business here.”