Global entertainment group SkillOnNet announced on October 20, 2026, that it has secured the right to apply for one of New Zealand’s new online casino licenses following a competitive auction process. The milestone positions the company to proceed toward full regulatory assessment under the jurisdiction’s updated legal framework.
New Zealand’s Online Casino Gambling Act, which entered into force in May 2026, establishes a structure allowing up to 15 online casino licenses to be awarded. The recent auction attracted 32 bidding entities and concluded after 10 rounds, establishing a final price of NZ$15 million per license. Having qualified among the 11 eligible operators, SkillOnNet will now submit its full regulatory application.
Stringent regulatory standards
The newly implemented licensing regime enforces strict compliance measures covering player protection, responsible gambling tools, age verification protocols, advertising restrictions, and operational transparency. These statutory requirements are structured to mitigate gambling-related harm, safeguard consumers, and cultivate a secure, accountable digital gaming marketplace.
SkillOnNet brings extensive operational experience from multiple international regulated sectors. The group currently holds 16 gaming licenses spanning Europe and the Americas, including major regulated territories such as the United Kingdom, Germany, Sweden, Ontario, and Alberta.
Establishing PlayOJO in New Zealand
With eligibility secured, SkillOnNet intends to leverage its platform capabilities to introduce its flagship iGaming destination, PlayOJO, to New Zealand consumers. The company aims to position the brand as a premier online casino option within the emerging market.
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.”
