Key Highlights
Contents
- The UK gambling operator is pursuing 3 licenses out of 15 total slots available in New Zealand’s inaugural iGaming licensing round
- Legalization occurred in June 2025, with the licensing framework anticipated to launch sometime in 2026
- TAB, Entain’s established sports betting operation, provides a strategic foundation for introducing casino products to existing customers
- The operator’s net gaming revenue climbed 8% to reach $6.6 billion in 2025, even as workforce reductions affected its New Zealand division
- Performance metrics in New Zealand showed a 28% year-over-year improvement through sports and racing wagering activities
The international gambling operator Entain has announced ambitious plans to dominate New Zealand’s nascent online casino sector. CEO Stella David revealed the company’s strategy to secure approximately half of the total market once regulatory authorities begin issuing licenses.
The operator intends to submit applications for 3 licenses from the pool of 15 that New Zealand regulators are anticipated to make available. Authorities are expected to initiate the licensing framework at some point throughout 2026.
Online gambling remains prohibited under current New Zealand law. The legislative landscape shifted in June 2025 when parliament approved measures to legalize iGaming and establish an official licensing structure.
Entain contends it possesses strategic advantages over potential rivals due to its established presence within the country. The company operates TAB, which holds the exclusive position as New Zealand’s only authorized provider of sports wagering services through both physical locations and digital platforms.
TAB Platform Positions Entain for Cross-Product Strategy
David emphasized that Entain stands alone among operators with the capability to integrate sports wagering and casino gaming through a unified customer approach. The existing TAB user base represents a ready-made market for introducing casino products.
Andrew Vouris, who leads Entain’s operations across Australia and New Zealand, reinforced this perspective. He highlighted that the company’s current market position and operational knowledge within the territory create a solid foundation for expansion.
Vouris noted that Entain has the potential to emerge as the sole provider delivering sports wagering, horse race betting, and casino entertainment through a single integrated platform. This comprehensive offering could distinguish the company from competing applicants when regulators evaluate license submissions.
The company maintains exclusive rights for digital sports and racing wagering throughout New Zealand. Entain has documented a 28% performance improvement year-over-year within the market.
This operational success forms a cornerstone of the company’s case for obtaining the forthcoming casino authorizations. Entain views its understanding of New Zealand’s regulatory framework as a meaningful competitive benefit.
Financial Performance Remains Strong Amid Restructuring
The initiative to enter New Zealand’s iGaming sector follows recent workforce reductions at the company’s local operations by only a few months. These staff cuts formed part of a company-wide initiative to streamline operational expenses.
The restructuring has not deterred the company’s growth objectives. David stated during the most recent financial results presentation that the digital gaming division was building positive momentum.
Entain disclosed aggregate group net gaming revenue totaling $6.6 billion for 2025. This represented an 8% improvement compared to the previous year’s performance.
The company projects net gaming revenue expansion between 5% and 7% on a constant currency basis for the upcoming period. This forecast indicates Entain anticipates sustained growth throughout its digital portfolio.
With the application timeline yet to commence, Entain’s approach focuses on transforming its current market footprint into a comprehensive gaming ecosystem. Successfully obtaining the 3 targeted licenses would enable the company to provide sports betting, racing wagering, and online casino services within a single jurisdiction.
New Zealand’s licensing phase has not officially begun, and government officials have not released detailed schedules for the application process as of April 2026.
