Offshore Casino for Kiwi Gamblers Still on the Cards for SkyCity

Offshore Online Gambling Site Disappoints Internal Affairs

Internal Affairs Minister Tracey Martins said SkyCity’s ability to do this shows an inadequacy in existing laws. She also said that it is “disappointing they [SkyCity] are forging ahead”. The giant told the New Zealand government that they are unwilling to wait for the law around Kiwi-based gambling sites to change.

Currently, SkyCity isn’t allowed to run a New Zealand-based casino. But the government can’t stop SkyCity from launching one offshore. It will most likely be based in Malta, and will accept transactions in NZ dollars and will target Kiwi gamblers.

SkyCity first made its plans to set up an online gambling site in August 2026. They’ve been in talks with the government about its launch. Martins said this development is a cause for concern not only for SkyCity but also for other casino operators targeting the New Zealand market. “[The move] highlights how inadequate these laws are – it’s not just for them but also the huge number of offshore gambling games that are coming into New Zealand now…that we have no way to control,” she said.

SkyCity Aware of Casino’s Effects

Aware that it would be unregulated, SkyCity wants anti-pokies advocates and the Problem Gambling Foundation to know that it will install anti-problem gambling mechanisms and is offering to pay the right tax rate on any earnings. Alternatively, they are proposing donating a percentage of their earnings to charity.

In August last year, the Internal Affairs Minister said that she would propose a paper to the Cabinet on new regulations for online gambling as a reaction to SkyCity’s development. SkyCity thinks that Martin will want to create a regulated NZ-based site, only to recoup some lost tax take. But, unfortunately, any law changes are about two years away.

For more on this story and other New Zealand casino news, visit our news page.

NZCT Installs Facial Recognition Software for Self-Excluded Players March 11, 2019
SkyCity to Launch Offshore Casino March 10, 2019
Zombie Hoard Online Pokie Released by Microgaming March 9, 2019
Gold Coast Welcomes Bidders for Second Casino March 8, 2019
Kiwis spent NZ$648 on Gambling in 2017/8 Financial Year, March 6, 2019

Published by Mark March 12, 2026 Categorie(s): Latest News, New Zealand, North Island, South Island

About the Author

Gaming Terminals Used to Launder Money by Thieves

Published by Taralynn May 7, 2026 Categorie(s): Big Wins, Latest News, New Zealand, North Island, South Island

Thieves Use Gaming Terminals to Launder Money

Recently updated on May 7th, 2026A gang of thieves in North West England used fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) to launder their illegal cash. This method was used roughly 47 times by the gang from June 2016 to August 2017, according to reports from their trial. The group of at least eight members managed to steal […]

AU Pokie Industry Survey Reveals Billions in Revenues

Published by Taralynn April 21, 2026 Categorie(s): Big Wins, Latest News, New Zealand, North Island, South Island

Pokie Industry in Australia worth Billions – NZ Gambling News

Recently updated on April 21st, 2026At this year’s Australasian Gaming Expo, it was revealed that pokies contribute roughly AU$8.32 billion (NZ$9.18 billion) to the economy of Australia. At least AU$5.5 billion (NZ$6.07 billion) went to tax revenues from leading Pokie operators. The survey was conducted on behalf of the Gaming Technologies Association (GTA), who represents […]

Microchip Flaw for Smartphones Worse than Expected

Published by Taralynn April 5, 2026 Categorie(s): Big Wins, Latest News, New Zealand, North Island, South Island

Recently updated on April 5th, 2026It may be this year, but this week has seen a fatal microchip flaw in billions of devices across the world. This flaw allows devices using a specific microchip to be hacked, specifically, data and passwords. Initially, the problem seemed only to affect Intel processors, but it has become widespread. […]

Betfred Signs Deal with Elite Casino Resorts

Published by Taralynn January 21, 2026 Categorie(s): Latest News, New Zealand, North Island, South Island

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 […]

Can I Withdraw My Casino Bonus?

Published by Taralynn January 23, 2026 Categorie(s): Big Wins, Bonus Codes, Latest News, New Zealand, North Island, Promotions, South Island

Recently updated on January 23rd, 2026 No, you can’t withdraw your casino bonus shortly after claiming it at online casinos. If you’re interested in “when can I withdraw my casino bonus?” then this is the guide for you. Online gambling sites offer bonuses to draw new players and show off the best games they have. […]