SkillOnNet clears auction stage for New Zealand online casino licences

Operator is among 11 successful bidders after a 10-round auction priced at NZ$15m per licence.

SkillOnNet has moved to the next stage of New Zealand’s online casino licensing process after securing the right to apply for a licence in a competitive auction.

The operator was one of 11 successful bidders in the auction, which drew 32 bidders and ran for 10 rounds, ending with a final price of NZ$15 million per licence. New Zealand’s Online Casino Gambling Act came into force in May 2026 and allows for up to 15 online casino licences under a new regulatory framework.

SkillOnNet said it will now submit a full application for regulatory assessment. The framework includes requirements covering player protection, responsible gambling, age verification, advertising, and operational transparency.

Maor Nutkevitch, Head of Corporate Development at 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.”