SkillOnNet wins the right to apply for a New Zealand online casino licence

SkillOnNet has secured the right to advance to the next stage of New Zealand’s online casino licensing process after participating in a competitive government auction. The outcome gives the operator an opportunity to submit a formal licence application, although it does not constitute regulatory approval to operate an online casino in the country.

The auction attracted 32 bidders and concluded after 10 rounds, with the final price reaching NZ$15 million per licence. SkillOnNet was among 11 successful entities selected to proceed to the application and assessment stage under New Zealand’s newly established regulatory framework.

New Zealand completes its online casino licensing auction

New Zealand has introduced a dedicated regulatory system for online casino gambling through the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026. The legislation came into force on 1 May 2026 and established a structured process for selecting operators that may be permitted to serve the country's online casino market.

The framework provides for up to 15 licences. Rather than granting operating approval directly through an auction, the government has divided the process into three stages: expressions of interest, a competitive auction and a detailed application assessment.

The auction determined which eligible entities could progress to the final stage. According to the official licensing information published by the Department of Internal Affairs, 11 entities secured the right to apply following the 10-round process.

SkillOnNet's successful participation places the company among those eligible to pursue a licence. However, the distinction between qualifying to apply and receiving a licence remains important. Each applicant must still satisfy the regulator's assessment requirements before receiving permission to operate under the new regime.

The final auction price of NZ$15 million per licence also highlights the financial commitment associated with entering the regulated market. The figure represents the final auction price, rather than confirmation that SkillOnNet has received a licence or begun operations in New Zealand.

What the next licensing stage involves

Following the auction, successful participants must prepare and submit formal applications for regulatory consideration. The assessment process is designed to determine whether applicants meet the applicable legal, financial, operational and consumer protection requirements.

SkillOnNet has indicated that it intends to proceed with a full application. The regulator's assessment will be a separate step and the outcome cannot be assumed from the company's auction success alone.

The Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 establishes the legal foundation for the licensing system. It also outlines provisions covering licence conditions, renewals, suspensions and cancellations, alongside mechanisms for regulatory enforcement.

Licences may be granted for periods of up to three years, with the possibility of renewal for a further five years. Each licence relates to one brand and its associated platforms, while restrictions also apply to the number of licences that may be granted to an individual operator.

These requirements mean that successful bidders must demonstrate more than an ability to finance market entry. Their applications must also address how their proposed operations will comply with New Zealand's regulatory obligations.

Player protection remains a central requirement

The new framework places considerable emphasis on consumer protection and the prevention of gambling-related harm. Operators seeking approval must be prepared to demonstrate how their platforms will meet statutory requirements and support a compliant online gambling environment.

Age verification is one of the key obligations. Licensed operators must ensure that online casino gambling is restricted to people aged 18 or older. The legislation also addresses measures to minimise gambling-related harm and exclude certain individuals where required.

Additional requirements concern platform availability, information retention, complaint handling and the recording of relevant operational details. The framework also prohibits the use of credit for online casino gambling through licensed operations.

Advertising is another important area. The regulatory changes introduced restrictions on online casino gambling advertising from 1 May 2026, with enforcement provisions intended to support the new licensing regime. Operators must take account of these restrictions when planning their market entry and promotional activities.

For SkillOnNet, the application process will therefore involve demonstrating its ability to meet the relevant standards rather than simply establishing commercial demand. Regulatory compliance, responsible gambling measures and operational transparency will all be important considerations.

The requirements also provide a framework for evaluating how prospective operators intend to protect customers and respond to complaints. These safeguards form part of the broader system intended to make the market more accountable.

PlayOJO identified as a potential brand for New Zealand

Maor Nutkevitch, Head of Corporate Development at SkillOnNet, commented on the auction outcome and the company's interest in the market.

He said: “We are honoured to have secured the opportunity to participate in the next stage of New Zealand’s licensing process. If successful, it would be a testament to our extensive experience and proven track record in regulated markets around the world.

“New Zealand’s decision to establish a dedicated regulatory framework for online casinos is particularly exciting for us because it plays directly to our strengths as a company. We see enormous potential for PlayOJO in this market and our ambition is to build it into one of the country’s leading online casinos, bringing New Zealand players the distinctive entertainment experience that has made PlayOJO such a success internationally.”

The comments highlight the company's interest in establishing a presence in New Zealand if the application process is successful. They also identify PlayOJO, a brand associated with SkillOnNet, as a potential part of its market strategy.

However, the reference to PlayOJO should be understood as an expression of the company's ambition rather than confirmation of an approved New Zealand launch. The Department of Internal Affairs has stated that the brands associated with successful auction participants are not being published at this stage. Approved brands are expected to appear on the regulator's public register once the relevant licences have been granted.

Consequently, the final brand arrangements and any launch plans remain subject to the licensing process and the applicable regulatory requirements.

Implications for SkillOnNet's market expansion

The auction result represents a procedural milestone for SkillOnNet, giving it the opportunity to compete for entry into a market moving towards a dedicated online casino regulatory framework.

New Zealand's approach combines a limited number of available licences with a formal assessment process. This structure means that prospective operators must consider regulatory readiness, consumer protection and their proposed business arrangements alongside the financial costs of market participation.

For SkillOnNet, proceeding to the application stage creates an opportunity to present its operational capabilities and plans for the market. Its eventual prospects will depend on the regulator's assessment and whether the proposed arrangements satisfy the relevant criteria.

The wider outcome will also be significant for the emerging market. A formal licensing regime gives authorities a defined structure through which they can assess operators, impose licence conditions and apply enforcement measures where necessary.

At the same time, the available number of licences remains limited. Participation in the auction does not guarantee a place among the operators ultimately authorised to offer online casino services. Applicants must complete the process before their operating status can be confirmed.

What happens next?

The next phase is expected to focus on formal applications and regulatory review. Successful auction participants must provide the information needed for the Department of Internal Affairs to determine whether their proposed businesses meet the statutory requirements.

The government has indicated that the licensing system is expected to become fully operational during 2027. Until licences are granted, the distinction between an auction winner and an authorised operator remains essential.

For SkillOnNet, the immediate priority is to progress through the application process and demonstrate compliance with the requirements governing the New Zealand market. Any eventual launch would depend on the regulator's decision, the approved brand arrangements and the conditions attached to the relevant licence.

Market entry planning will also need to account for the rules governing advertising and the responsibilities that accompany operation in a regulated jurisdiction. These considerations will remain relevant beyond the initial application stage.

Conclusion

SkillOnNet's success in New Zealand's online casino licensing auction marks an important step towards a potential market entry, but it is not the conclusion of the regulatory process. The company has secured the right to apply for a licence after an auction that attracted 32 bidders and concluded at NZ$15 million per licence. Formal approval, however, remains a separate decision for the regulator.

The next stage will determine whether SkillOnNet can demonstrate that its proposed operations meet the country's legal, operational and consumer protection standards. Its stated interest in PlayOJO also indicates a possible direction for its future strategy, although the brand's participation in the licensed market has not yet been confirmed.

For the wider industry, the process illustrates how commercial ambition must be accompanied by regulatory accountability when entering a newly structured market. The limited number of licences and the requirement for detailed assessment create a clear distinction between winning the right to apply and receiving permission to operate.

SkillOnNet is now positioned to pursue the next phase of the process. Whether that opportunity results in an authorised New Zealand launch will depend on the outcome of the regulatory assessment and the final licensing decisions.

FAQs

What did SkillOnNet achieve in New Zealand's online casino auction?
SkillOnNet secured the right to apply for an online casino licence after participating in the government's competitive auction. It must still complete the formal application and regulatory assessment process.

Has SkillOnNet received an online casino licence in New Zealand?
No. The auction result gives SkillOnNet the opportunity to apply for a licence. It does not mean the company has received final regulatory approval to operate.

How many bidders participated in the auction?
The auction attracted 32 bidders and concluded after 10 rounds. Eleven entities secured the right to progress to the application stage.

What was the final auction price?
The final auction price reached NZ$15 million per licence. This figure relates to the auction outcome and should not be interpreted as confirmation that an operating licence has been granted.

How many online casino licences will New Zealand offer?
The regulatory framework provides for up to 15 online casino licences. Successful auction participants must still satisfy the requirements for a licence.

What is the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026?
It is New Zealand's legislation establishing a dedicated licensing and regulatory framework for online casino gambling. It addresses licensing, consumer protection, advertising and regulatory enforcement.

Who is Maor Nutkevitch?
Maor Nutkevitch is identified as Head of Corporate Development at SkillOnNet in the announcement. He commented on the company's successful participation in the auction and its interest in the New Zealand market.

Is PlayOJO confirmed to launch in New Zealand?
No. SkillOnNet has identified PlayOJO as a potential brand for the market, but the final brand arrangements remain subject to the licensing process and regulatory approval.

What player protection requirements apply to licensed operators?
The framework includes age verification, measures to minimise gambling-related harm, exclusion requirements, complaint handling and restrictions on credit for online casino gambling. Licensed operators must comply with the requirements applicable to their operations.

Where can people in New Zealand find gambling support?
The Gambling Helpline provides free support for people concerned about their own gambling or someone else's. It can be contacted on 0800 654 655 or by texting 8006.