Entain Introduces BlackRush Casino as New Zealand Readies Regulated Market

Entain has unveiled BlackRush Casino, a brand built specifically for New Zealand’s incoming online casino market. First reported by Next.io, the update follows closely after the country’s licence auction on September 29, 2026, and signals Entain’s intent to secure a strong position before the full market launch in May. 

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The site is run under Entain’s ElectraWorks Gibraltar licence and requires a New Zealand VPN for access. Unlike Entain’s global set‑up, BlackRush operates on a separate platform, the same system used for FoxySpins, which draws inspiration from the FoxyBingo brand. 

Together, these casino offerings will sit alongside Entain’s established sports betting operations, including betcha and TAB, where the company already holds exclusive rights through its 25‑year partnership with TAB NZ. 

Entain eyes stronghold of potential £600m market

Last week, New Zealand confirmed the full set of requirements for companies hoping to secure online casino licences ahead of the auction held on Tuesday.

Winning a slot in that auction did not mean automatic entry into the market; instead, it gave operators the right to apply formally and undergo a detailed assessment. The Department of Internal Affairs explained that successful bidders must submit five separate documents covering business planning, advertising, consumer protection, harm prevention, and compliance. 

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Technology standards were also set out clearly. Games and random number generators already tested in the UK or Ontario would be accepted without further checks for launch day, but any new titles added later must go through independent testing.

The government capped the market at 15 licences, with each brand needing its own approval, and no operator allowed to hold more than three. Licences will run for up to three years initially, with the option to renew for five, giving regulators time to review performance before granting longer terms. 

Entain’s chief executive Stella David used the FY25 earnings call to underline the scale of the opportunity, estimating the market at around £600m annually. 

She noted that Entain already generates about £200m in the region and expects new iGaming brands to push that figure beyond £300m. David emphasised that Entain would be the only operator able to cross‑sell across products, while local CEO Andrew Vouris continues to build partnerships in New Zealand.

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