SkyCity Entertainment Group has secured the right to apply for two online casino licences in New Zealand following the Government's licence auction.
The company was a successful participant in the auction conducted under the Online Casino Gambling Act 2026, securing two of the available licence application rights.
Each licence will require a NZ$15m fee, excluding GST, meaning SkyCity faces a total licence cost of NZ$30m if it proceeds with both.
The operator will now move into the application stage ahead of the regulated online casino market opening next year.
SkyCity Chief Executive Officer, Jason Walbridge, said: “We are excited to have been successful in the auction to apply for two licences and to be taking the next step towards entering the online casino gambling market in New Zealand. We know New Zealanders trust the SkyCity brand, and we will combine that trust with our deep knowledge of the New Zealand market to build a successful online business here. ”
The auction result comes as SkyCity undertakes a broader strategic review of its operations and assets.
Last month, the company launched a structured process to assess potential transactions and other opportunities following two unsolicited acquisition approaches disclosed in August. Both proposals were rejected after the board concluded they did not adequately reflect the group's underlying value.
SkyCity has appointed UBS and Chapman Tripp to engage with interested parties, although the company has cautioned that the process may not result in a transaction.
Separately, preparations are under way for the formal sale process of SkyCity's Adelaide business after the company received interest from potential buyers.
SkyCity is also targeting NZ$275m to NZ$300m in proceeds from its asset monetisation programme by the end of 2026. It has already generated NZ$74.5m from commercial property sales and is in advanced negotiations regarding The Grand Hotel.
SkyCity is also pursuing asset sales and a wider strategic review
