SkillOnNet Secures New Zealand License: PlayOJO to Enter New Market

SkillOnNet is continuing its global expansion strategy by reaching a significant milestone in the Pacific region. The company has become one of the first gambling entities to receive official approval under New Zealand's new regulatory framework. With its PlayOJO brand, the group intends to actively shape the local online casino market. This step is strategically vital as the government in Wellington has strictly capped the number of operator licenses at 15. SkillOnNet secured the eleventh spot in the ongoing process.

Competition for market access was fierce. A total of 32 bidders submitted their documentation to participate in the selection process. SkillOnNet had to pay a substantial licensing fee of 8.51 million dollars to obtain the permit. Additionally, a non-refundable application fee of 10,780 dollars was required at the start. The new legislation, the Online Casino Gambling Act, came into force in May 2026 and serves as the foundation for a protected domestic market designed to prioritize player protection while generating tax revenue.

Numbers and facts

The economic dimensions of the New Zealand market are considerable. Estimates suggest that players from the island nation spend more than 770 million dollars (approximately 442.54 million US dollars according to additional economic data) annually with foreign providers lacking local licenses. To halt this drain, the new legislation introduces a 12 percent gaming duty. Furthermore, licensed operators must provide a community funding guarantee equivalent to 4 percent of their Gross Gaming Revenue (GGR). Authorities expect that between 10 and 20 million dollars will be generated for social causes in the first year alone.

Maor Nutkevitch, Head of Corporate Development at SkillOnNet, commented positively on the success:

"We are honoured to have secured the opportunity to participate in the next stage of New Zealand’s licensing process. If successful, it would be a testament to our extensive experience and proven track record in regulated markets around the world." - Maor Nutkevitch, Head of Corporate Development at SkillOnNet

Background

The regulatory process in New Zealand unfolded in several stages. After the licensing process officially launched in July 2026, only four vacant spots remained in the quota following the allocation to SkillOnNet. The Department of Internal Affairs has set clear deadlines: operators who have not applied for a license by December 1, 2026, must cease offering online casino services to New Zealand customers. Non-compliance could lead to severe fines of up to 5 million New Zealand dollars. With this move, SkillOnNet strengthens its global footprint, now holding 16 licenses across regions including the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Canadian provinces of Ontario and Alberta.

In tandem with this expansion, the company is refining its portfolio. Collaborations with providers such as Games Global, Amusnet, ODDSWork, and Konami aim to ensure that a diverse program is available in New Zealand. A specific focus lies on progressive jackpots and local content tailored to regional player preferences. The full operational launch of the new licensing system in New Zealand is expected in 2027, with transitional provisions already defining the current legal framework.

Why it matters for German players

For German casino fans, the licensing in New Zealand does not directly change their daily gaming routine, but it demonstrates a global trend toward strict regulation. SkillOnNet is already listed on the official whitelist of the Gemeinsame Glücksspielbehörde der Länder (GGL). In Germany, extremely strict rules apply to these providers, as stipulated in the State Treaty on Gambling 2021 (GlüStV 2021). These include the monthly deposit limit of 1,000 euros across all providers and the stake limit of a maximum of 1 euro per round on virtual slot machines.

German players benefit from the fact that companies like SkillOnNet gain experience in highly regulated markets. Compliance with player protection measures, monitored by systems like LUGAS and OASIS, has become standard for operators with an international focus. Anyone playing in Germany should strictly ensure they only use providers with a GGL license to guarantee legal security and protection against gambling addiction. Illegal providers from Curacao or Malta often lack these protections and operate without a legal basis in Germany.

What it means for GGL-licensed casinos

For operators with a German GGL license, the New Zealand case illustrates that competitive pressure at the international level is increasing. Licenses worldwide are becoming more expensive and tied to stricter social requirements. The focus on harm minimization and consumer protection, emphasized by New Zealand's 2026 regulations, mirrors the German philosophy. Casinos must upgrade technically to precisely implement age verification and advertising restrictions. While this increases operating costs, it secures the long-term stability of the legal market against the black market.