BetMGM co-parent Entain has grand designs on the New Zealand market launch of online casinos later this year, stating that it will be looking to buy up multiple licenses out of the available 15.
Entain Australia is already in the pole position via its partnership with TAB as New Zealand’s sole legal retail and online sports betting service provider, and now intends to tighten its monopoly.
New Zealand business is already seeing 28% annual growth
In June, New Zealand’s government granted TAB NZ, and by extension Entain, long-standing statutory exclusivity on retail and online racing and sports betting. According to Asia Gaming Brief, Entain’s New Zealand business is already seeing 28% annual growth.
Entain Australia & NZ CEO Andrew Vouris was cited in the Australian Financial Review as indicating the Neds and Ladbrokes owner will look to buy multiple iCasino licenses in December as part of its long-term view.
Vouris stated: “We’re going to be the only operator in the market that’s able to offer sports, racing, and potentially casino. That is massive.”
Contesting this space will be Australia and New Zealand gaming giant SkyCity Entertainment Group. SkyCity has also indicated its intention to enter the iCasino market and “become the trusted local leader” in New Zealand.
Entain, meanwhile, boasts 15 online brands such as BetMGM Casino and PartyCasino that operate globally, experience that will allow Entain’s eventual iCasino arm to scale quickly in New Zealand while cross marketing its portfolio, which includes Coral and bwin Casino.
