Entain, Owner of BetMGM, Aims to Secure 50% of New Zealand’s Upcoming iGaming Market

(AsiaGameHub) –   In the wake of BetMGM’s continued growth, Stella David, the CEO of Entain — the firm that co-owns the gaming brand — has publicly stated that Entain is targeting to capture as much as 50% of New Zealand’s upcoming iGaming market.

Entain Makes Major Wager on New Zealand’s Emerging iGaming Sector

Per David, Entain is the only online operator with the ability to cross-sell sports betting and iGaming products, a capability powered by its New Zealand betting arm TAB, a state-backed, exclusive system for sports and racing wagering. As TAB is the country’s only legal provider of both in-person and online sports betting, Entain’s entry into the online casino space would give the firm access to a large existing customer base.

Notably, David’s announcement comes just a few months after Entain rolled out large-scale job cuts for its New Zealand branch as part of its efforts to reduce operating costs.

Despite that move, the company remains fully committed to achieving its newly announced goal. Entain continues to build momentum across its online gambling division, with Net Gaming Revenue (NGR) forecast to rise by 5–7% on a constant currency basis. During the latest earnings call, David shared that total group NGR climbed by 8% to $6.6 billion for the 2025 fiscal year.

Entain Is Already Making Headway Toward Its Target

At present, online gambling is prohibited in New Zealand, and the country only has six physical casinos operating across its territory. However, in June 2025, New Zealand began advancing legislation to legalize iGaming, clearing the path for online casinos to launch operations in the country. The regulatory framework allows for up to 15 licensed platforms, and Entain is aiming to secure three of these available permits.

Earlier this year, Entain publicly shared its plan to expand into New Zealand’s forthcoming online casino sector, with intentions to bid for three licenses once the government opens the application window in late 2026. Securing these licenses would let the company grow its user base and expand its product portfolio, further strengthening its position in the local market.

Andrew Vouris, CEO of Entain Australia and New Zealand, pointed out that Entain’s existing footprint and operational experience in New Zealand already provide a solid foundation for success. Per Vouris, the company will be the only operator in the market capable of offering sports betting, racing wagering, and potential casino services.

Currently, Entain holds the exclusive license for online sports and racing betting in New Zealand, where it has posted a 28% year-on-year increase in operational performance. During a recent earnings call covering its full 2025 financial results, Entain reported consistent growth across all of its product lines.