New Zealand Extends Queenstown Casino License for 15 Years

New Zealand has extended the license of SkyCity Entertainment Group’s flagship casino in Queenstown for another 15 years at a time when the country is looking into crafting a more liberal gambling framework, which will also involve online casinos.

The extended license applies from December 7, 2025, and comes at a time of imminent change in the local market, with lawmakers still hesitant about what an iGaming framework would look like and whether it would not impact land-based casinos, such as the Queenstown property, too heavily.

Commenting on the milestone, SkyCity CEO Jason Walbridge said: “We’re delighted with this outcome. We look forward to continuing to play our part in Queenstown’s fantastic range of entertainment for both locals and visitors.”

In the meantime, New Zealand is considering raising the proposed duty on online gambling in a bid to fund local communities and state-backed programs. The current rate of 12% on online gambling would be increased to 16%, with the additional 4% to be specifically allocated for various community returns.

“The message from communities was loud and clear – if we’re regulating online gambling, they want to see benefits flow back to local sports clubs, community groups and grassroots organisations,” Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden, said, commenting on the proposal in late October.

SkyCity recently also took possession of the New Zealand International Convention Center, which is located near SkyCity Auckland, one of the three casinos the company runs in the country besides Queenstown and Hamilton.