Entain has introduced a new online casino brand, BlackRush Casino, targeting players in New Zealand as the country prepares to establish its regulated online casino market in 2027.
The brand appeared online on 30 September 2026, shortly after New Zealand opened its auction process for 15 online casino licence opportunities. The launch represents another step in Entain’s strategy to expand its digital gaming presence in the country, where it already has a substantial sports betting operation through TAB New Zealand.
BlackRush joins FoxySpins as one of the casino brands Entain is positioning for the New Zealand market.
According to industry reporting, BlackRush initially operated through Entain’s ElectraWorks Gibraltar licence and required a New Zealand VPN to access. Its appearance therefore preceded the formal approval of local online casino licences.
Entain Targets New Zealand’s Emerging Online Casino Market
New Zealand represents an important expansion opportunity for Entain, particularly because of the group’s existing relationship with TAB New Zealand.
Under a 25-year strategic partnership, Entain operates TAB’s sports betting business, giving the company an established local presence and a potential route to cross-sell products once the online casino licensing framework becomes operational.
Entain CEO Stella David previously described the New Zealand online casino opportunity as significant, estimating that the market could generate approximately NZ$1 billion annually.
The introduction of BlackRush and FoxySpins provides the group with additional brands that could form part of its future licensed portfolio.
However, operating in the regulated market will depend on obtaining the necessary approvals from New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA).
Entain Advances in New Zealand’s Licensing Process
Entain subsequently secured two rights to apply for online casino licences through Playvia Gaming (NZ) Limited, while TAB New Zealand also obtained a separate right.
The development followed an auction involving 32 bidders competing for 15 available application rights. The process concluded after 10 rounds, with each successful right carrying a price of NZ$15 million.
Importantly, winning an auction right does not automatically grant an operating licence. Successful bidders must still complete the formal application process and satisfy the regulator’s requirements.
Each licence is intended to cover one brand for an initial three-year period, with the possibility of a five-year renewal.
For Entain, the combination of BlackRush, FoxySpins and its established TAB relationship could provide several opportunities to compete in the new market, subject to regulatory approval.
A Competitive New Online Casino Landscape
Entain will face competition from several established international operators seeking entry into New Zealand.
Super Group, the owner of Betway, secured three rights to apply, while SkyCity obtained two. Stake, SkillOnNet and other applicants also progressed through the auction.
The licensing framework is designed to move online casino gambling towards a locally supervised system, with requirements covering advertising, consumer protection, gambling harm prevention and operational compliance.
Operators that failed to progress in the licensing process face a deadline to cease offering online casino services in New Zealand from 1 December 2026, while successful applicants continue through regulatory assessment.
What BlackRush Means for Entain
The introduction of BlackRush highlights Entain’s efforts to establish its brands ahead of New Zealand’s regulated market opening.
The group’s existing sports betting presence, combined with its new casino brands, could give it a competitive position once local licences are granted.
Nevertheless, the distinction between a brand’s initial online appearance and formal regulatory authorisation remains important. BlackRush’s future in the regulated New Zealand market will depend on the completion of the licensing process and approval from the relevant authorities.
With the market expected to open in 2027, Entain is positioning itself for a new phase of competition in one of the most closely watched emerging online casino markets in the Asia-Pacific region.