Skip to main content

Internet Gambling with Credit Cards Could Get Banned in NZ

Recently updated on January 4th, 2026

New Zealand’s government agency is on a mission to ban internet gambling with credit cards. The New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs is responsible for creating and regulating the gambling industry.  One of the many reasons behind the department considering the ban of credit card internet gambling is the launch of SKYCITY Entertainment Group’s internet gambling outfit in New Zealand.

New Zealand currently offers Kiwi players state-run lottery and TAB. The operators are the only two authorised operators allowed to provide internet gambling products in the country. Early 2019 saw SKYCITY partner with Malta-based gambling operator to offer NZ with gambling services online.  SKYCITY is evading the existing NZ regulations by basing its operations in Malta.

What does the Credit Card Ban entail?

The details around whether or not the NZ regulator will succeed in banning the use of credit cards for internet gambling are still sketchy. The possible ban is believed to be a part of the protection of local Kiwi gamblers from spending excessive amounts of money on betting. The regulators’ news on the ban follows the UK Gambling Commission announcing a consultation on whether or not the UK should ban credit card internet gambling.  Macquarie, an Australian bank, has started blocking transactions that are classified as gambling.

Credit Card Gambling Deposits NZ

SKYCITY’s Internet Casino

SKYCITY’s Maltese subordinate, SKYCITY Malta is set to run SKYCITY’s internet gambling operation. The operation will be powered by Gaming Innovation Group, a casino gaming and betting online platform.

SKYCITY’s venture has brought about mixed reactions and a worry that the operation would have a hand in the increase of problem gambling cases. The New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs was prompted by concerned Kiwis, which have led to the review of the country’s gambling laws and use of credit cards.

Overview

Internet gambling with credit cards is convenient, and most internet casinos do not charge Kiwi players fees for processing deposits made from credit cards. Convenience is both an advantage and a disadvantage.

Problem gamblers are often pushed into debt by the high-interest rates on transactions charged by the credit card issuer. The ban on credit cards could be useful. However, there are several ways players can make deposits to fund their gambling activities. The ban could essentially work or simply become another gambling inconvenience.

More Casino News

 



Related Posts

Racing Industry to Start Taxing Offshore Bookmakers

Racing Industry to Start Taxing Offshore Bookmakers

Recently updated on April 29th, 2026New Zealand’s racing industry could soon be facing some big changes. Reportedly, the government will be charging a point-of-consumption tax on races in New Zealand. After a review by John Messara, an Australian racing expert, two pieces of legislation are in the works. Firstly, the current racing board will be […]

Best Slots to Celebrate Valentines

play best slots for valentine online

Recently updated on February 16th, 2026Valentine’s Day is celebrated every year on the 14th of February. Many online slots providers have used this occasion as an inspiration for many of their slot titles and themes. To commemorate this day, we have put together a list of some of the popular love slots that celebrate Valentine’s […]

Betfred Signs Deal with Elite Casino Resorts

Recently updated on January 21st, 2026UK-based bookmaker, Betfred, has signed a deal with Elite Casino Resorts to offer sports betting to Iowa customers. The move was recently approved by the Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission as an out of state vendor. Betfred will offer on-premise, online and mobile betting to Iowa bettors. The company promises […]

Betting on the Oscars 2026

NZ Betting on the Oscars 2018

Recently updated on March 2nd, 2026On 4 March, Hollywood’s best and brightest will take to the red carpet for the biggest award ceremony in the business. While the awards season has been exciting, the Oscars, or Academy Awards, are the most important for actors. After all, no one can forget the ‘La La Land/Moonlight’ Best […]

New Zealand Casinos
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.