The New Zealand government has announced the 11 firms that have the right to apply for an online casino licence ahead of the igaming market launching early next year.
As outlined by the Department of Internal Affairs, the auction attracted 32 bidders and concluded after 10 rounds. The final auction price per licence hit NZ$15m (£6.4m).
The auction has only determined which firms have the right to apply for a licence. There will be 15 online casino licences made available under the new framework.
The auction ran from 29 September until 12 October.
Baytree Interactive Limited, which is linked to Betway owner Super Group, has secured three rights to apply.
Entain’s Playvia Gaming (NZ) Limited has secured two rights to apply, as has Rock Swift Group Limited.
Local land-based casino SkyCity Entertainment has two rights to apply, albeit via separate successful bids and entities.
The other six successful bidders each have one right to apply for a licence. Those include Stake, SkillOnNet and LCKY Group.
The 11 entities approved by the government will now be able to apply for a licence.
Those businesses must submit a “comprehensive application” which will include plans and strategies around marketing, consumer protection and compliance.
From 1 December, those operators that have not applied for a licence must cease offering online casino in New Zealand.
The government is planning for the “regulated and licensed online casino gambling system” to be fully operational in 2027.
The online casino duty in the Antipodean market will jump from 12% to 16% in January 2027. There is also a 15% goods and services tax and a 1.24% problem gambling levy.
TAB New Zealand, which is run in a joint venture with Entain, will continue to serve as the monopoly sports and racing operator.
In 2023, TAB and Entain penned a 25-year strategic partnership with the aim of funnelling more funds into New Zeland’s racing sector.
Entain has since launched the betcha brand in New Zealand.
A Stake spokesperson said: “We’re really excited about the opportunity in New Zealand as the market moves towards regulation. It’s a strong fit for Stake and another important step in growing our presence globally.
“This follows our expansion into Alberta, Argentina and Mexico this year, and reflects our wider strategy of entering new markets where we see long-term potential.
“We’re looking forward to the next stages of the process and, ultimately, bringing the Stake experience to customers in New Zealand.”
Jason Walbridge, SkyCity CEO, added: “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.”
The post Entain and Stake among 11 approved New Zealand online casino applicants first appeared on EGR Intel.
Auction process sets new licence fee at NZ$15m, with operators such as Super Group and SkyCity also given the green light to submit permit bids
The post Entain and Stake among 11 approved New Zealand online casino applicants first appeared on EGR Intel.