Some of the biggest names in the online gambling industry are set to apply for a place in New Zealand’s upcoming regulated casino market, and Stake, Entain and Australian operator Dabble have all now been linked with the licensing process – which came after the deadline for expressions of interest which closed on the 14th of August.
The Australian reported that the three operators are among businesses seeking access to the market as New Zealand prepares to auction the right to apply for up to 15 online casino licences, and SkyCity Entertainment has separately confirmed that it’s also applying – something that was announced in its latest financial results report.
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) opened the Expression of Interest stage on the 17th of July 2026, and operators needed to provide information about their ownership structure, key executives, and compliance history. They also needed to show proof that they had at least NZ$7.5 million in capital.
Submitting an Expression of Interest does not guarantee an operator a place in the market, and unlike a lot of countries. New Zealand has chosen to use a three-stage system: accepted operators proceed to a competitive auction, expected to take place in September – and they will, here, essentially bid for a licence.
Only 15 licences will be available, and the DIA also notes that only operators whose Expressions of Interest are accepted can join the auction. Existing offshore casinos that were already operating in New Zealand before 1 May are allowed to (officially) continue operating until 1 December 2026, but as of now, they’re no longer allowed to advertise to New Zealanders.
From December 1, they will also be restricted from accepting bets from Kiwis – but it’s unclear how this will be enforced, as, since they’re offshore companies, they’re likely not subject to New Zealand laws.
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Alex Smith