Entain Soft Launches BlackRush Casino In New Zealand

Entain has soft launched BlackRush Casino, a new online casino brand targeting New Zealand ahead of the country’s regulated iGaming market opening.

The site appeared to go live ahead of 1 May alongside the introduction of New Zealand’s new online casino legislation. BlackRush is currently regulated through Entain’s ElectraWorks Gibraltar licence and requires a New Zealand VPN to access.

The brand appears to operate on a separate platform from Entain’s wider global infrastructure, which is also being used by another New Zealand-facing brand, FoxySpins.

FoxySpins shares branding with Entain’s existing FoxyBingo operation. The two casino brands would complement the group’s existing New Zealand sports betting brands, betcha and TAB.

Entain currently operates New Zealand’s sports betting offering through its 25-year strategic partnership with TAB NZ.

Entain Targets Three New Zealand Casino Licences

The launch comes as New Zealand begins the process of allocating 15 online casino approvals, with the auction opening on 29 September. Successful bidders will be permitted to apply for an online casino licence.

Each licence will initially run for three years, with the possibility of a five-year renewal. The regulated online casino market is expected to launch during 2027, although a specific date has not yet been confirmed.

Licences will cover individual brands, with each operator permitted to hold a maximum of three.

Entain CEO Stella David previously said the company intends to seek all three available licences and highlighted the potential to cross-sell between its existing sports betting operations and online casino brands.

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

said David during Entain’s FY25 earnings call.

David also said Entain’s Australia and New Zealand division, led by CEO Andrew Vouris, was preparing for the regulated market and engaging with local partners.

Entain Estimates £600m New Zealand Market

David estimated that New Zealand’s gambling market represents an annual opportunity of approximately £600m.

She said Entain currently generates around £200m from the market and believes the addition of online casino operations could increase that figure to more than £300m.

Other operators reportedly expressing interest in securing a New Zealand online casino licence include SkyCity, Super Group, DigiPlus, Stake and Dabble.

The licence allocation process will determine which operators can proceed with applications ahead of the regulated market’s planned launch in 2027.