SkillOnNet, the iGaming group behind PlayOJO, is one of 11 operators to win the right to apply for one of New Zealand's new online casino licences. It now moves to the next stage of the process, a full application for regulatory assessment.
How New Zealand is licensing online casinos
New Zealand's Online Casino Gambling Act came into force in May 2026 and allows up to 15 online casino licences under a new regulatory framework. The right to apply was sold at auction: 32 bidders took part, and the auction ended after 10 rounds at a final price of NZ$15 million per licence.
The framework sets strict requirements on player protection, responsible gambling, age verification, advertising and operational transparency, with the stated aim of reducing gambling harm and building a safe, accountable market.
SkillOnNet holds 16 gaming licences across Europe and the Americas, including the UK, Germany, Sweden, Ontario and Alberta. It plans to make PlayOJO its lead brand in New Zealand.
What SkillOnNet 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.”
Gamitas view
A NZ$15 million entry price for a market of around five million people means only well-funded, multi-licence groups will get through, and the 11 successful bidders now make up most of the likely first wave of licensees. Their applications will also set the tone for how strictly the new regulator applies its harm-minimisation rules.
For suppliers, this is the time to engage: game studios, platforms, payments and compliance providers will need to meet New Zealand's technical and certification requirements as these operators prepare to launch. Suppliers already active in the market are listed on our New Zealand market page.
- SkillOnNet
- 🇳🇿New Zealand
- Licence Regulatory
