Entain seeks total dominance in New Zealand, multiple licenses
The CEO of the Australia & New Zealand division, Andrew Vouris, confirmed that the company aims to be the only operator with a comprehensive offer in sports, racing, and online casino. The new regulatory framework, which will debut in December 2026, will limit the market to only 15 casino licenses.
Entain has begun deploying its strategic artillery to lead the future regulated market in New Zealand. The company has expressed its firm intention to secure multiple online gambling licenses before the official sector opening, scheduled for December 2026, with the goal of establishing itself as the most versatile operator in the region.
Andrew Vouris, CEO of Entain Australia & New Zealand, highlighted in statements to the Australian Financial Review the distinctive value of their proposal: "We are going to be the only operator in the market capable of offering sports, racing, and potentially casino. That is massive," the executive said.
A race for the 15 exclusive licenses
The New Zealand government will implement a limited license model, granting a maximum of 15 permits for online casinos. The bidding process is expected to begin shortly, which has unleashed fierce competition among the main global iGaming players.
Entain runs with a considerable strategic advantage: it already has a solid presence in the country thanks to its 25-year management agreement with TAB New Zealand. This alliance provides deep knowledge of the local consumer and an already established operational infrastructure.
Scalability and global brands
With a portfolio that includes more than 15 renowned international brands, such as BetMGM and PartyCasino, Entain is confident in its ability to scale its operations immediately once the legal framework comes into effect. The company’s strategy aims to capitalize on its network of brands to capture diverse segments of the New Zealand market from the first day of regulation.
This move positions Entain not only as a competitor but as the benchmark to beat in a market that promises to be one of the most dynamic and coveted in Oceania by the end of 2026.
Tags: New Zealand, Entain New Zealand, New Zealand online licenses