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Entain launches BlackRush Casino ahead of New Zealand’s regulated market

Licences & markets

Entain has introduced BlackRush Casino for New Zealand’s planned online casino market, reportedly ahead of the market’s expected May launch. The launch follows the country’s 29 September licence auction, but winning an auction place only gives operators the right to apply for a licence, the Department of Internal Affairs explained. Each brand needs separate approval.

Entain’s New Zealand brand launch does not confer a licence, so operators must obtain separate approval for each brand.

End-of-day close Entain (ENT), GBp, to 5 November 2026
Story date17 August 20265 November 2026

Latest reported results

Entain LSE: ENT

Financial year ended 31 December 2025

Revenue
GBP 5.26bn
Operating income
GBP 495.7m

Earlier licence decisions by Department of Internal Affairs

DateCompanyAmountStoryAppeal status
Not namedNot statedNew Zealand opens online gaming licence expressions of interestNot stated
EntainNot statedNew Zealand sets online casino ad rules without an advertising-volume capNot stated
Not namedNot statedNew Zealand DIA opens first stage for 15 online casino licencesNot stated

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Regulation

BGC launches campaign against proposed 40% Machine Games Duty rate in Britain

The Betting and Gaming Council launched a campaign on 28 September opposing further betting shop tax rises in Britain. The BGC attributed to EY modelling an estimate that raising Machine Games Duty to 40% could jeopardise up to 16,000 jobs and leave the Treasury approximately £124m worse off.

A campaign called "Back Our Betting Shops" was started by the Betting and Gaming Council on Monday. It sets out to show how employees, communities and high streets across Britain could be affected by additional tax rises and shop closures. According to the BGC, the initiative features workers from several parts of the industry, among them apprentices, managers, customers, long-serving staff and community collaborators.

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