Regulators Warn SkyCity’s Overseas-Based Online Casino Breaches Gambling Act

Published: 08/07/2020

Reading Time: 4 Min

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The Department of Internal Affairs has issued a formal warning against the casino operator SkyCity’s advertisement of an overseas-based online casino. The regulator issued the warning yesterday over the breach in the Gambling act done by SkyCity after sending an email that advertises the operations of an online casino to loyalty program clients.

Online gaming in many countries is rapidly growing. Many companies consider winning a license to operate as they see the industry’s potential for massive growth.

New Zealand has strict regulations regarding gambling, and online gambling is now one of its focuses on development.

New Zealand is one of the fastest-growing markets for online gaming. The country introduced its Gambling Act of 2003, which allowed online gambling operations to entertain New Zealand citizens. The introduction of the new law changed the country’s gambling landscape and attracted many local and overseas investors.

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New Zealand explores gaming options for online gaming operators

New Zealand has been working hard to control and regulate its online gaming industry. The country plans to expand the market to collect higher revenue from the industry. The Gambling law was created to protect the gamblers. There are many legitimate online gaming companies in the country, but the government ensured that players are protected by providing strict rules during licensing.

The industry regulator provided a licensing module that provides guidelines for an ideal gaming platform. Since the implementation of the legislation, the country saw a massive increase in the number of players who wanted to experience online gambling.

The country ensures a better gaming framework for both players and operators to ensure a safe gambling environment. The country plans to expand the services of its national Lottery and TAB, adding more games to its portfolio. With the development of technology for online gaming, demand for quality and safe gaming will rise.

Warning against breach gambling rules

In August last year, the Malta-based subsidiary of the company launched its online casino, powered by Gaming Innovation Group. The casino offers live dealer casino games and a mix of RNG. Despite the government’s initiative to authorize online gambling in the country, they require companies to cater to the needs of players within the country.

The company informed its clients that despite the closure of its land-based casinos, its online casino continues. A customer complained that the company breached the Kiwi rules prohibiting gambling products and filed a formal complaint to the regulating body.

A spokesperson of the company said they only intended to inform their clients of the impact of the novel coronavirus to the operations of SkyCity. The company said they did not plan to break the rules, but they respect the regulating body’s feedback.

New Zealand is one of the countries with the most compelling novel coronavirus preventive measures. The country’s infection rate remained low compared to most countries.

New Zealand resumed the operations of its casinos in mid-May after getting positive feedback from health regulators. However, casinos resumed operations in a limited capacity.