Operator among 11 successful bidders as country moves towards regulated market
SkillOnNet is one of just 11 operators to have secured the right to apply for one of New Zealand’s new online casino licenses following a competitive auction process.
New Zealand’s Online Casino Gambling Act, which came into force in May 2026, allows for up to 15 online casino licenses to be awarded under a new regulatory framework. The auction attracted 32 bidders and concluded after 10 rounds, with a final price of NZ$15m per license.
SkillOnNet will now proceed to the next stage, submitting a full application for regulatory assessment.
The new licensing framework introduces stringent requirements covering player protection, responsible gambling, age verification, advertising, and operational transparency. These measures are designed to minimise gambling-related harm, safeguard consumers and establish a safe, accountable and sustainable online gaming environment.
The company brings extensive international regulatory experience to the process, holding 16 gaming licenses across Europe and the Americas, including regulated markets such as the UK, Germany, Sweden, Ontario and Alberta.
SkillOnNet sees significant potential for its flagship iGaming site, PlayOJO, which it aims to establish as one of New Zealand’s leading online casino destinations.
Maor Nutkevitch, Head of Corporate Development at SkillOnNet, said:
“We are honoured to have secured the opportunity to participate in the next stage of New Zealand’s licensing process. If successful, it would be a testament to our extensive experience and proven track record in regulated markets around the world.
“New Zealand’s decision to establish a dedicated regulatory framework for online casinos is particularly exciting for us because it plays directly to our strengths as a company. We see enormous potential for PlayOJO in this market, and our ambition is to build it into one of the country’s leading online casinos, bringing New Zealand players the distinctive entertainment experience that has made PlayOJO such a success internationally.”