Content Writer: Janice Chew • Tuesday, 26/02/2026 - 10:39:11 - AM
Entain is positioning itself aggressively ahead of New Zealand’s planned launch of a regulated online casino market, signalling strong confidence in the country’s long-term digital gambling potential. The move comes as the New Zealand government advances plans to introduce a licensing regime for online casinos, aimed at replacing the current unregulated offshore environment.
Entain, already a dominant player in New Zealand through its exclusive partnership with TAB New Zealand, sees online casino regulation as a natural extension of the market. Industry observers note that Entain’s early engagement, technology scale and regulatory experience in jurisdictions such as the UK and Australia give it a clear first-mover advantage once licences are issued.
Regulators have made it clear that consumer protection, harm minimisation and tax compliance will be central to the new framework. Analysts say this favours large, well-capitalised operators over smaller offshore sites, potentially reshaping the competitive landscape. For Entain, a regulated environment could unlock new revenue streams while reducing leakage to illegal or grey-market platforms.
With online casino legislation expected to progress further in 2026, Entain’s strategy underscores growing industry confidence that New Zealand will become a meaningful digital gaming market. If executed as planned, regulation could mark a turning point—bringing stronger oversight for players, higher tax returns for the government, and a significant growth opportunity for established global operators.