New Zealand: 50 Operators Compete for 15 iGaming Licenses

Among the notable developments, rumors circulated regarding a possible application from VGW, which the company quickly denied, stating the information was inaccurate. Crypto casino brand Stake is reportedly considering entering the market, while operators including Entain, Tabcorp, and Dabble are also expected to compete for licenses. The regulator has indicated it is prioritizing companies with strong compliance track records over operator size alone when evaluating applications. Each brand will be eligible to receive a maximum of three licenses under the framework.

The licensing auction is scheduled for September, with the first licenses expected to be issued in December. The strong applicant turnout suggests operators view New Zealand as an attractive regulated market despite the restricted license count, with the compliance-focused selection criteria likely shaping which brands ultimately secure a foothold ahead of the market's formal launch.