Entain Aims for Three New Zealand Online Casino Licences

(AsiaGameHub) –   Although New Zealand has not yet opened its online casino market, Entain is already setting ambitious goals. The group is reportedly seeking three licences and aims to capture as much as 50% of the future market, according to Gambling News.

Good to Know

• New Zealand intends to issue up to 15 online casino licences, with a restriction of no more than three licences per operator.
• The licensing process is anticipated to commence in July 2026, beginning with expressions of interest.
• Entain’s strategy, as reported by Gambling News, involves bidding for three licences and targeting up to 50% of the market share.

Entain Makes An Early New Zealand Grab

The significant figure is not the number of licences Entain seeks, but rather the market share it aims to secure. According to Gambling News, the company is targeting up to half of New Zealand’s future iGaming market as the country develops its online casino operator licensing system.

This ambition aligns with the emerging regulations. The Department of Internal Affairs has stated that up to 15 licences will be made available, with each licence associated with a single brand, and no single company will be permitted to hold more than three. The process is scheduled to begin in July 2026, followed by an auction in September and the submission of full licence applications in October.

Entain is not entering this market without prior experience. The group currently operates TAB in New Zealand, which holds exclusive rights for both retail and online sports and racing betting. This existing presence provides Entain with an established customer base and a more direct route for cross-selling casino products once the market opens. Gambling News has indicated that integrating sports, racing, and casino offerings under one umbrella is a core component of their strategy.

The regulator’s objective with the new framework is to prioritize consumer safety, uphold operator standards, and steer players away from offshore gambling sites. The Department of Internal Affairs has specified that licensed operators will be required to adhere to regulations concerning system integrity, player protection, and responsible gambling practices.

Entain is positioning itself for this expansion from a position of financial strength. In its 2025 results announcement, the group reported total revenue of approximately $6.6 billion, with online net gaming revenue projected to increase by 5% to 7% on a constant currency basis. Furthermore, Gambling News reported that Entain’s New Zealand operations experienced a 28% year-on-year growth.