SkillOnNet has advanced to the next stage of New Zealand's online casino licensing process, becoming one of 11 operators to secure the right to apply for a license following a competitive auction. The Online Casino Gambling Act, which came into force in May 2026, allows for up to 15 licenses. The auction drew 32 bidders across 10 rounds, closing at NZ$15m per license.
The operator will now submit a full application for regulatory review. New Zealand's framework imposes strict requirements on player protection, age verification, advertising standards and operational transparency, with a focus on responsible gambling and consumer safeguards. The high entry cost and regulatory rigor will determine which operators ultimately secure licenses.
SkillOnNet holds 16 licenses across Europe and North America, including the UK, Germany, Sweden, Ontario and Alberta. The company will enter the New Zealand market under its PlayOJO brand. Maor Nutkevitch, head of corporate development, said SkillOnNet's international experience on regulated markets positions it well for the licensing phase. He added that the company sees significant potential for PlayOJO to become a leading online casino in New Zealand.
