The company that operates Bet MGM, together with its partners, has established its New Zealand expansion target. Stella David, the chief executive officer of the company, stated that the business intends to secure half of the New Zealand iGaming market after online casinos receive approval.
The company plans to submit bids for three upcoming licenses, which will become available when the government begins accepting applications in 2026. The new rules will allow up to 15 licensed operators in the country’s NZ iGaming market.
David said that Entain is well-positioned to enter the market because of its existing operations through TAB, New Zealand’s state-backed and exclusive provider of sports and racing betting. Through TAB, Bet MGM, and Entain already have a large customer base, which they can use when expanding into New Zealand iGaming.
“This gives us a strong foundation to succeed,” David said. She added that Entain will be the only operator able to offer sports betting, racing, and potentially online casinos all in one platform.
Despite some recent job cuts in its New Zealand branch to reduce costs, Entain is still fully committed to its growth plans. The company’s online division is gaining momentum, with Net Gaming Revenue expected to grow by 5–7% on a constant currency basis. In 2025, Bet MGM and Entain reported total group NGR of $6.6 billion, up 8% from the previous year.
Andrew Vouris, CEO of Entain Australia and New Zealand, said the company’s current operations give it a clear advantage. “Our footprint and experience in New Zealand give us a strong base for future growth,” he said. He noted that Bet MGM will play a key role in connecting sports, racing, and casino players under one platform.
New Zealand prohibits online gambling activities while the nation operates six physical casinos. The legislation that the government enacted last year now enables controlled online gambling operations in New Zealand through international companies that include Entain and Bet MGM.
The International Gaming Company Entain announced its intention to enter the New Zealand iGaming market at its first presentation this year. If successful, it will be able to offer a complete gaming experience, combining sports, racing, and online casino products for a large and established audience.
The company has already seen strong results in New Zealand through TAB. Performance in the sports and racing sector has grown 28% year-on-year, showing that Entain and Bet MGM can reach players effectively. This gives them an edge in the emerging NZ iGaming market.
With these moves, Entain is betting big on the country’s online gambling future. By combining its Bet MGM brand, existing customer base, and new iGaming licenses, it aims to become one of the leading platforms in New Zealand iGaming once the market opens.
Industry experts say that Bet MGM’s connection to Entain gives it an advantage over competitors, as it can cross-sell between sports betting and casino products, something few other operators in New Zealand will be able to do.
Entain plans to continue building its presence, using Bet MGM to introduce new players to its full range of online offerings. The company’s strong performance and existing market knowledge make it one of the frontrunners for the NZ iGaming licenses expected in 2026.
