BetMGM Owner Entain Aims to Capture 50% of Upcoming New Zealand iGaming

Following the growth of BetMGM, Stella David, the CEO of Entain, which co-owns the gaming company, has openly stated that Entain aims to secure as much as 50% of New Zealand’s upcoming iGaming market.

Entain Bets Big on New Zealand’s Upcoming iGaming Scene

According to David, Entain is the only online operator capable of cross-selling between sports betting and iGaming, thanks to its New Zealand betting arm TAB, a state-backed, exclusive sports and racing betting system. As TAB is the country’s sole legal provider of both retail and online sports betting, a move by Entain into online casino could give David’s company access to a significant existing customer base.

Interestingly, David’s proclamation comes just a few months after Entain announced large job cuts for its New Zealand branch as it aimed to diminish operating costs.

Despite that, the company is still determined to reach its newly-stated goal. Entain continues to build momentum through its online gambling division as Net Gaming Revenue (NGR) is projected to increase by 5–7% on a constant currency basis. David noted during the latest earnings call that total group NGR climbed by 8% to $6.6 billion in 2025.

Entain Is Already Making Progress to Its Goal

Currently, online gambling is not allowed in New Zealand, and the country also has just six brick-and-mortar casinos. However, in June 2025, New Zealand began moving to legalize iGaming with a new law, paving the way for online casinos to operate in the country. The plan allows for up to 15 licensed platforms, with Entain targeting three of those available licenses. 

Earlier this year, Entain revealed its intention to expand into New Zealand’s upcoming online casino sector, with plans to bid for three licenses once the government opens the application process later in 2026. Securing these licenses would allow the company to grow its customer base and enhance its product offering, further reinforcing its position in the market. 

Andrew Vouris, CEO of Entain Australia and New Zealand, noted that Entain’s existing footprint and experience in New Zealand already provide a strong foundation for success. According to him, the company would be the only operator in the market that’s able to offer sports, racing, and potentially casinos. 

Currently, Entain is the exclusive license holder for online sports and racing betting in the country, where it has recorded a 28% year-on-year increase in performance. According to a recent earnings call for its 2025 profits as a whole, Entain has revealed stable growth throughout its various offerings.