With New Zealand poised to regulate online casinos, Entain is positioning itself as the frontrunner in a market ready for transformation. The gaming giant’s regional leadership has confirmed a renewed drive to expand its footprint, leveraging both its deep local ties and broad international experience.

Regional CEO Andrew Vouris underlined Entain’s goal to secure multiple operational licenses once the application window opens later this year — a move that could see the company extend its reach across sports, racing, and casino products all under one umbrella.

The Foundation: A Long-Term Partnership With TAB NZ

Entain’s momentum in New Zealand didn’t start overnight. In 2023, the company entered into a 25-year partnership with TAB New Zealand, solidifying its position as a core player in the country’s regulated betting market.

That partnership received further legislative backing in 2025, granting TAB NZ extended exclusivity for sports and racing wagering — both on land and online. The regulations effectively prohibit unlicensed offshore operators, giving Entain protected access to a market structure that favors domestic, regulated growth.

Opening the Door to New Online Casino Licenses

While sports betting remains tightly regulated, the next chapter for New Zealand’s gambling industry begins in December 2026, when up to 15 licenses are expected to be issued for online casino operations.

Entain plans to be among the first applicants, building on its strong infrastructure and customer loyalty from existing brands. With a portfolio that includes BetMGM, PartyCasino, and Ladbrokes, the company sees cross-brand synergy as a key growth driver.

Entain’s Key Competitive Advantages

  • Established customer trust via TAB NZ partnership
  • Proven global online casino expertise
  • Ability to cross-promote across multiple product lines
  • Advanced player protection and responsible gaming tools

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Competitors Race to Secure Market Share

Entain isn’t alone in its ambitions. SkyCity Entertainment Group, a major player in both New Zealand and Australia, has also announced its intent to compete vigorously for an online casino license.

While SkyCity’s strategy hinges on its local brand recognition, Entain’s strength lies in its global scale and multi-platform integration — positioning it to potentially outpace rivals once the new framework is in place.

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Momentum Builds With Strong Growth Numbers

Entain’s existing New Zealand division is already showing robust annual growth — approximately 28% year over year. The company intends to harness that momentum to expand into online casino operations seamlessly.

If successful, Entain could set the benchmark for integrated gaming in a fully regulated digital environment, merging betting, casino entertainment, and player engagement strategies into one platform.

Entain’s Calculated Bet on a Growing Market

As the New Zealand government prepares to roll out its online casino licensing system, Entain is moving early — backed by experience, exclusive partnerships, and an appetite for innovation.

With up to 15 online casino licenses available, the competition will be fierce, but Entain’s well-established infrastructure and proven multi-brand approach could make it the defining player in New Zealand’s new era of regulated online gaming.

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