Stake is expanding in regulated markets, Yolo Group is withdrawing from grey jurisdictions and 1XBet is acquiring domestic licences, according to a media report. The report describes a broader shift by the companies towards regulated gambling markets.
The reported changes concern how three gambling businesses approach market entry and licensing.
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New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs confirmed on Tuesday that 11 operators received rights to apply for online casino licences after an auction. The process involved 32 bidders over 10 rounds and ended at NZ$15 million per licence; Baytree Interactive Limited (Betway) received three rights, while Playvia Gaming (NZ) Limited (Entain) received two. Formal licences remain subject to applications and regulatory assessment, with awards expected in early 2027.
New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs confirmed on Tuesday that 11 operators have secured rights to apply for online casino licences following an expression of interest auction. The auction ended at a final price of NZ$15m per licence, with 32 bidders competing over 10 rounds for 15 available licences. The department granted 15 rights to apply to the 11 successful participants, and some companies secured more than one right, allowing them to submit separate applications.
New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs released the results of its online casino licence tender on 13 October, with 11 entities bidding NZ$15m to progress to the next stage. Entain, Super Group and Stake were among those advancing, with 15 licences available in total. The DIA said operators that failed at this stage must cease operations by 1 December 2026, with the full market launch expected at an unknown date in 2027.
On 13 October, the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) in New Zealand published the outcome of its tender for online casino licences. A total of 11 entities paid NZ$15m (€7.5m) to move forward in the process, and among the successful applicants were Entain, Super Group and Stake. Fifteen licences are on offer, and certain companies are following a multi-brand approach in the country.
Alberta's iGaming Corp added Betway Canada to the province's operating-platform list on 28 September, bringing its sportsbook and online casino to the regulated market. The announcement also listed Apollo Entertainment's Golden Tiger Casino; more than 30 platforms were active in the market, according to the report.
Liberia's National Lottery Authority restored LiPay Inc.'s licence on 24 September 2026, allowing it to resume sports betting, online casino and online lottery operations and represent the 1xBet brand. The one-year licence is conditional on compliance with licensing rules, anti-money laundering and responsible gaming requirements, following a settlement dated 14 September. The report says the company had previously been fined US$10,000 and barred from applying for licences for two years.
Reportedly, Liberia’s NLA reinstated LIPAY Inc.’s operating licence after a settlement. LIPAY represents 1xBet locally, and the administrative dispute had resulted in restrictions on its operations.