Stake Wins Right to Apply for a New Zealand Online Casino License

Eleven companies won all 15 license slots at NZ$15 million each, and offshore casinos left out must stop serving New Zealand players from Dec. 1.

Francis Gable

13/10/26 · 2 minOctober 13, 2026 · 2 min read

Stake won the right to apply for one of New Zealand's 15 online casino licenses, the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) said on Oct. 13. The auction set the price at NZ$15 million ($8.4 million) per license.

The result splits the country's offshore casino market in two. Under the DIA's rules, providers that have not applied for a license must stop offering online casino games to New Zealanders from Dec. 1, 2026.

Applicants can keep operating, without advertising, until the DIA decides on their bid.

Eleven Companies Split All 15 Licenses

The auction drew 32 bidders and ran for 10 rounds, according to the DIA. The price rose in steps, and bidders dropped out until demand matched the licenses on offer.

Baytree Interactive won three rights to apply, the most any single company can hold. Entain holds two through Playvia Gaming and will seek a third with TAB New Zealand, according to multiple industry reports. Casino group SkyCity confirmed two rights in a stock exchange filing, at NZ$15 million each before sales tax.

"It's a strong fit for Stake and another important step in growing our presence globally."

A Stake spokesperson made the remark in statements to industry outlets. The spokesperson told iGaming Expert the bid follows Stake's expansion into Alberta, Argentina and Mexico this year.

Winning the Auction Is Not a License

The DIA says a winning bid does not guarantee a license. Each winner must pay the auction price and file a business plan. The application also needs strategies on advertising, consumer protection and harm reduction. The DIA cannot grant a license until a provider proves it is suitable to hold one.

The brands behind each company stay private for now. The DIA will publish approved brands on a public register once licenses are granted. Online casino advertising remains banned in New Zealand in the meantime.

The next fixed date is the Dec. 1 exit deadline for everyone else. The DIA expects the licensed market to be fully running in 2027, and SkyCity says it is applying ahead of a market opening in 2027.

Treat gambling as entertainment you pay for. 18+, and if it stops feeling like entertainment, help exists at BeGambleAware and GamCare.