Top Operators Eyeing NZ: SkyCity, Betway, 888 and Bet365

As New Zealand prepares to launch its regulated online casino market in 2026 with 15 licences available, the first operators have shown their interest. As stated in cabinet papers, different domestic operators and international gambling companies have shown interest in applying for a licence. 

Local brands wanting to enter the online market include land based names such as SkyCity, TAB NZ, Christchurch Casino and Grand Casino Dunedin. International players like 888, Bet365, SpinBet, Spin City and Super Group (that includes the brand Betway) are listed amongst the foreign gambling companies wanting to enter the New Zealand market.

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Local Land Based Brands

Tab NZ has partnered with Entain also enjoys a gambling licence and is the exclusive sports betting operator currently active in New Zealand. It has not yet been decided whether Tab NZ will need to apply for a new licence, and Minister for Racing Winston Peters will eventually decide about future steps for Tab NZ. The proposed framework for the new gambling law prioritises the existing land based industry, recommending that local brands be given preferential opportunities to apply for online licences once the market opens.

Currently, both SkyCity and Christchurch have set up their online gaming businesses by following an offshore model and working with an European licence to target players in New Zealand. Once online gambling is regulated, both brands will need to obtain a local licence in order to be able to offer their gambling products in New Zealand. The loophole industry is considered a grey area and a temporary solution. Whilst not officially permitted, SkyCity and Christchurch are not prohibited from offering their gambling products following the loophole construction. The same holds true for other gambling sites that work with the same setup.

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Tens of Offshore Operators Paying Taxes

There are currently 36 online operators registered and paying Goods and Services Tax (GST) to the New Zealand government. The list of international gambling operators Flutter, Super Group (Betway), Bet365 and Entain as well as local land based brand SkyCity that uses a foreign loophole construction to target Kiwi players. In order to still obtain revenue from these companies, in October 2016, New Zealand began collecting GST. Since 1 July 2024, this duty imposes a 12% tax on offshore gambling profits derived from residents who are based in New Zealand. This set up aims to ensure that offshore operators contribute to the country’s tax revenue.

Most gamblers in New Zealand place their bets on foreign platforms, resulting in a substantial portion of taxes not reaching the New Zealand treasury department. In addition to providing better player protection, collecting gambling taxes is considered one of the main reasons to regulate online casinos and betting sites in New Zealand.

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Fines Up To $5 Million For Non Compliance

With regard to player protection measures, Van Velden reiterates that online casinos that do not comply with local regulations will be subject to massive fines. Van Velden has pointed out a fine up to $5 million for breaching player protection rules. There will also be restrictions on gambling advertising and a total ban on ads appealing to Kiwis who are underage. Operators will also require an age verification system that needs to be checked before a player will be able to create an account and get access to the gambling products. Industry experts believe that online casinos in New Zealand will also be obligated to implement a self-exclusion register so that a temporary or a definitive gambling break can be requested by the player, directly in the account. In Australia, tens of thousands of players have excluded themselves from online gambling from the BetStop exclusion register.

Make Sure To Read: Our Online Casino Reviews and our SkyCity review.