The international gaming operator is among 11 successful bidders invited to proceed to the next stage of New Zealand’s new online casino licensing process.
New Zealand’s emerging regulated online casino market has reached another important milestone, with international gaming group SkillOnNet securing the opportunity to apply for one of the country’s new online casino licences.
According to a company announcement dated 23 October 2026, SkillOnNet was among 11 successful bidders in a competitive licensing auction that attracted 32 participants. The auction reportedly concluded after 10 rounds, with a final price of NZ$15 million per licence.
The result marks a significant development for operators seeking to establish a presence in New Zealand as the country moves towards a dedicated regulatory framework for online casino gambling.
However, being selected in the auction does not mean that SkillOnNet has already received an operating licence. The company must still complete the next stage of the process, which involves submitting a full application for regulatory assessment.
New Zealand’s Online Casino Licensing Framework
New Zealand’s new online casino regulatory framework is intended to bring greater oversight to a market that has historically included offshore gambling operators.
The Online Casino Gambling Act, which the company announcement states came into force in May 2026, provides for up to 15 online casino licences.
The licensing process is designed to establish clearer requirements for operators wishing to serve players in New Zealand. These include measures relating to player protection, responsible gambling, age verification, advertising and operational transparency.
The introduction of a formal licensing system is particularly relevant for New Zealand players who want to understand which online casinos are authorised to operate under the new domestic framework.
As the process develops, the distinction between an operator that has expressed interest, one that has progressed through an auction and one that has received final regulatory approval will be important.
What Does SkillOnNet’s Selection Mean for New Zealand Players?
SkillOnNet’s successful auction bid represents progress towards potentially entering New Zealand’s regulated online casino market. It does not, by itself, establish that the company or its brands are currently authorised under the new licensing system.
For players, the next stage will be to see whether the company satisfies the applicable regulatory requirements and receives final approval.
A regulated market can introduce clearer standards for participating operators, including requirements around age verification, responsible gambling information and the handling of player-related obligations.
Nevertheless, a licence should not be interpreted as a guarantee that gambling is risk-free. Players should continue to review bonus conditions, wagering requirements, withdrawal policies and available responsible gambling tools before choosing an online casino.
Until final licensing decisions are confirmed, players should avoid assuming that a brand is licensed simply because its parent company has progressed in the application process.
SkillOnNet’s International Experience
SkillOnNet says it brings substantial international regulatory experience to the New Zealand licensing process.
According to the company’s announcement, the group holds 16 gaming licences across Europe and the Americas, including in regulated markets such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Ontario and Alberta.
Experience in established gambling jurisdictions may be relevant when an operator applies to enter a new regulated market. However, each jurisdiction has its own licensing standards, and experience elsewhere does not replace the need to satisfy New Zealand’s specific requirements.
The forthcoming assessment will therefore be an important step in determining whether SkillOnNet can meet the standards applicable to prospective online casino operators in New Zealand.
PlayOJO Could Be a Key Brand to Watch
One of the most notable aspects of SkillOnNet’s announcement is its stated ambition for PlayOJO, its flagship iGaming brand.
The company says it sees significant potential for PlayOJO in New Zealand and aims to establish it as one of the country’s leading online casino destinations, subject to the outcome of the licensing process.
PlayOJO’s potential entry into the market could become relevant as New Zealand’s regulated online casino sector takes shape. However, the company’s stated ambition should not be confused with confirmation that PlayOJO has received a New Zealand licence or is currently authorised to accept players under the new framework.
Players interested in the brand should look for official licensing announcements and confirm its regulatory status before registering or depositing funds.
What Happens Next in the Licensing Process?
Following the auction, SkillOnNet is expected to submit a full application for regulatory assessment.
The next stage is important because it moves the process beyond the initial selection of successful bidders and towards the assessment of individual operators against the applicable regulatory requirements.
The auction result alone does not confirm which operators will ultimately receive licences, when any successful operators will begin trading or which brands will be available to New Zealand players.
For prospective players, the most useful developments to watch will be:
- Final licence approvals: Confirmation of which operators have been granted permission to operate.
- Approved casino brands: Clarification of which individual websites are covered by the relevant authorisations.
- Player protection requirements: Further details about responsible gambling, age verification and consumer safeguards.
- Market launch dates: Official announcements confirming when licensed online casinos can begin operating.
- Terms and conditions: Clear information about bonuses, wagering requirements, withdrawals and account restrictions.
These developments will help establish what the regulated market looks like in practice and which operators are eligible to participate.
A Significant Step, but Not the Final Decision
SkillOnNet’s progress in New Zealand’s licensing auction highlights the level of interest among international gambling companies in the country’s developing online casino market.
With 11 successful bidders reportedly moving forward from an auction involving 32 participants, competition for the available licences appears substantial. The reported NZ$15 million final price per licence also illustrates the scale of the opportunity operators are pursuing.
For SkillOnNet, the immediate priority is to complete the next stage of the licensing process. For New Zealand players, the key question is which companies and brands will ultimately receive approval and what protections the final regulatory framework will provide.
Until those decisions are confirmed, SkillOnNet and PlayOJO should be regarded as prospective participants in New Zealand’s regulated online casino market rather than confirmed licensed operators.
This article is based on a company announcement dated 23 October 2026. Licensing outcomes and regulatory requirements should be checked against official New Zealand government and regulatory sources as further information becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has SkillOnNet received a New Zealand online casino licence?
Not according to the announcement described in this article. SkillOnNet has reportedly secured the opportunity to proceed to the next stage and must submit a full application for regulatory assessment. Final approval is a separate step.
How many online casino licences are available in New Zealand?
The company announcement states that New Zealand’s framework allows for up to 15 online casino licences.
How many operators progressed in the licensing auction?
According to SkillOnNet’s announcement, 11 operators were successful bidders out of 32 participants.
Will PlayOJO be available in New Zealand?
SkillOnNet has expressed an ambition to establish PlayOJO in New Zealand. Its availability under the new regulated framework depends on the relevant licensing and regulatory requirements being satisfied.
Why is New Zealand introducing online casino licensing?
The new framework is intended to provide greater oversight of online casino operators, with requirements covering areas such as player protection, responsible gambling, age verification and advertising.
Where can players check whether an online casino is licensed?
Players should consult the relevant official New Zealand government or regulatory sources and confirm that the specific casino website is covered by a valid authorisation. A company’s international licences or progress in an auction do not automatically establish that a particular website is licensed in New Zealand.