Stake Wins a Shot at a New Zealand iGaming Licence: What It Means

New Zealand just held the lottery of all lotteries

Forget scratch cards. New Zealand just ran an auction where the prize was the right to apply for an online casino licence, and the ticket price landed at a cool NZ$15 million each. Thirty two bidders showed up, the bidding ran for 10 rounds, and when the dust settled only 11 entities were left standing. One of them was Stake.

Welcome to Stake Wins a Shot at a New Zealand iGaming Licence: What It Means, where we unpack the auction, the winners, the fine print and why crypto casino fans are paying close attention.

Who made the cut?

According to Gaming Intelligence, the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) announced on 13 October 2026 that 11 entities would move forward. Baytree Interactive secured the right to apply for three licences, while Playvia Gaming (NZ) and Rock Swift Group each secured two.

The entities selected to apply for one licence each are Christchurch Online NZ, One Casino, Rush Entertainment, Skill On Net, SkyCity NZ Online NO1, SkyCity NZ Online NO2, Stake New Zealand and TAB New Zealand. That adds up to all 15 available licences.

Plot twist: the brands that will actually operate under each licence have not been disclosed yet. So you can guess who sits behind some of those company names, but nobody official is saying.

Winning the auction is not winning the licence

Here is the important part. The DIA was very clear that taking part successfully in the auction does not guarantee a licence. Every selected entity, Stake included, now has to pass a detailed application and assessment process proving it meets New Zealand's licensing requirements.

Think of it as getting through the audition. The real performance comes next, and licences are expected to be issued from early 2027.

What Stake said

Stake called the result an exciting opportunity as New Zealand moves towards regulation, describing it as a strong fit and another step in growing its global presence. The company also pointed to its expansion into Alberta, Argentina and Mexico this year as part of a wider plan to enter markets with long term potential.

For a brand that built its reputation in the crypto casino world, sitting at the same table as a household name like SkyCity is quite the glow up. Stake has spent years becoming the benchmark for fast withdrawals and sportsbook depth, and now it is chasing regulated markets too.

SkyCity cheers, shares climb

Local giant SkyCity also welcomed the news after securing the right to apply for two licences. Chief executive Jason Walbridge said New Zealanders trust the SkyCity brand and that the company would combine that trust with local knowledge to build an online business. Investors liked it too: SkyCity shares rose 2.26 percent on the day to close at NZ$0.68.

The bad news for everyone else

Operators currently active in New Zealand that were not selected must withdraw from the market by the end of next month, according to the report. That means Kiwi players could see some familiar sites disappear soon, so it is smart to withdraw any balances on affected platforms early rather than waiting for the deadline.

What this means for players

For New Zealand players, regulation usually brings clearer consumer protections, defined dispute processes and verified operators. It can also mean identity checks, so the no KYC experience crypto players enjoy elsewhere may look different under a local licence. We will not guess the final rules until the DIA publishes them.

Want to see what the fuss is about? You can read our full Stake review in our casino reviews hub, or check out Stake directly. Availability, products and terms depend on where you live, so always confirm before signing up.

Play smart and stay in control

This article is news based on Gaming Intelligence reporting as of 13 October 2026, and details may change as New Zealand's process continues. Nothing here confirms that any operator is licensed or available in your country. You must be of legal age, and gambling rules vary by location, so check local laws. This article contains affiliate links, meaning we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Set a budget, never chase losses, and visit BeGambleAware.org if you need support.