SkyCity, Entain and Stake Advance in NZ Casino Auction

New Zealand has identified 11 entities eligible to apply for online casino licences following an auction that attracted 32 bidders and concluded after 10 rounds. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) announced the results on October 13, confirming that each successful application right carries a fee of NZ$15 million (US$8.4 million). The government has made 15 licences available under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, with each covering one brand for an initial three-year period and a possible five-year renewal.