Report: TAB NZ denied chance at online casino monopoly
Local media reports New Zealand government quashed proposal to take sole control of igaming market, with liberalised arena due to launch in early 2026
The New Zealand government denied TAB NZ the right to hold a monopoly on the online casino market in the country, according to documents released under the Official Information Act.
As reported by radio broadcaster RNZ, the operator wrote to ministers in 2023 requesting the right to take on the monopoly, along with offering a NZ$150m payment to the government.
Under existing New Zealand regulations, TAB NZ is barred from offering online casino. Currently, the company serves as the country’s monopoly sports, racing and pokies operator.
TAB NZ had, in a letter to internal affairs minister Brooke van Velden, proposed operating the igaming monopoly under a 10-year licence, stating such a move would “meet the government’s fiscal ambitions”.
It read: “It is possible to get a substantial capital payment to the government from selling the rights to igaming in an exclusive market.
“We estimate that there is a $150m capital payment available for an exclusive market where there are one or two providers.”
The letter proceeded to argue that TAB NZ was losing out to offshore operators as a result of its inability to offer online casino.
Additionally, the company said it would receive extra funding from its partner Entain, should the government change its stance.
Entain entered into a 25-year deal with TAB NZ in 2023 to run its operations, with TAB NZ guaranteed funding of more than NZ$1bn in the first five years to revitalise horseracing.
In comments reported by RNZ, Van Velden said: “I don’t believe that the government should be involved in casino gambling.
“I look at the government trying to address the core services that people need in their lives and providing an online service for casino games is not what I think the government should be involved in.”
New Zealand is in the process of liberalising its online casino market, with 15 licences up for grabs.
The market is due to go live in 2026, with the licences being handed out via auction. It is expected several offshore firms will bid for permits.