Auction process sets the price of a New Zealand iGaming licence at NZ$15 million
New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs has selected 11 entities to proceed to the next round of the online gaming licensing process.
The auction phase of the licencing process attracted 32 bidders and concluded after 10 rounds, with the Department today announcing the names of the entities that will be moving forward in the process.
The auction set the final price of the 15 available iGaming licences at NZ$15 million each.
The 11 selected entities must now prove that they can meet New Zealand’s licencing requirements.
The auction saw Baytree Interactive secure the right to apply for three licences, while Playvia Gaming (NZ) and Rock Swift Group each secured the right to apply for two licences.
The following companies were selected to each apply for one licence: Christchurch Online NZ, One Casino, Rush Entertainment, Skill On Net, SkyCity NZ Online NO1, SkyCity NZ Online NO2, Stake New Zealand, and TAB New Zealand.
The brands that will ultimately operate under a licence are not being disclosed at this time.
All other online casino operators who are currently active in New Zealand and have not been selected to apply for a licence will have to withdraw from the market by the end of next month.
“The auction determined who has won the right to apply for an online casino gambling licence,” said the Department of Internal Affairs. “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.”
Licences are expected to be issued from early 2027.
Stake said in a statement: “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.”
New Zealand’s SkyCity Entertainment also welcomed today’s announcement. “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,” said chief executive Jason Walbridge. “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.”
Shares in SkyCity Entertainment Group Ltd. (NZE:SKC) gained 2.26 per cent on Tuesday to close at NZ$0.68 per share.