Entain has soft launched BlackRush Casino, a new brand created for New Zealand as the country moves toward a regulated online casino market.

The site appeared shortly after New Zealand opened the auction for 15 planned online casino approvals on September 29, 2026. Successful bidders will earn the right to submit formal licence applications before the regulated market launches.

BlackRush currently operates under Entain’s ElectraWorks Gibraltar licence and requires a New Zealand VPN for access. The site appears to run on a separate platform from Entain’s global set-up and shares that system with FoxySpins, another New Zealand-facing brand that draws on the company’s existing FoxyBingo identity.

The two casino brands would join Entain’s existing local sports betting operations, including betcha and TAB. Entain already holds a strong position in the country through its 25-year strategic partnership with TAB NZ, which gives it exclusive access to the New Zealand sports betting market.

Entain Seeks Maximum Licence Allocation

New Zealand will limit the regulated online casino sector to 15 licences, with each approval tied to a single brand. One operator may hold no more than three licences.

Each licence will run for an initial three-year term and may be renewed for five years. The full market is expected to launch in 2027, although authorities have not announced a precise start date.

According to NEXT.io, Entain chief executive Stella David has already said the company is confident it can secure all three licences available to a single operator.

“I think the opportunity for us is significant because we’ll be the only player who will be able to do cross-sell.”

David also said the Australia and New Zealand business, led by local CEO Andrew Vouris, was increasing its involvement in the market and working with local partners.

She estimated New Zealand’s total market at about £600 million annually. Entain currently generates approximately £200 million in the region, while the addition of iGaming brands could push that figure above £300 million.

Licence Winners Must Complete Full Assessment

Securing a position in the auction will not automatically give an operator permission to enter the market.

Successful bidders must still complete a formal licensing process. The Department of Internal Affairs requires five separate documents covering business planning, advertising, consumer protection, harm prevention and compliance.

The framework also sets technical conditions for games and random number generators. Products already tested in the United Kingdom or Ontario can be accepted for launch without further testing. New games added later will require independent testing.

Entain’s BlackRush and FoxySpins sites indicate that the operator is preparing multiple brands while the licensing process develops.

Other companies reportedly expressing interest in New Zealand licences include SkyCity, Super Group, DigiPlus, Stake and Dabble.