SkyCity Online Gambling Site Launches for New Zealanders

Published by Taralynn August 12, 2019 Categorie(s): Latest News, New Zealand, North Island, South Island

SkyCity Entertainment Group has launched its online platform, catering to Kiwi online gamblers. The SkyCity online gambling site is based in Malta as the New Zealand government prohibits gambling sites from operating inside the country. NZ players looking to join in on the fun can find it at skycitycasino.com.

The SkyCity online gambling site is managed and developed by Malta-based company Gaming Innovation Group. This company will essentially create the site’s gaming content and manage the platform. Furthermore, it marks the company’s move towards adapting to the changing gambling environment. “While ultimately a regulated online gaming market remains the preferred solution, the site launch is another step on our journey of pursuing opportunities to grow and diversify our earnings,” said SkyCity’s chief executive Graeme Stephens in a statement.

SkyCity Online Gambling Site Moves in on Multi-Million Dollar Industry

Its move to securing a corner of the online gaming arena isn’t expected to yield high returns in the near-term. In May, SkyCity Entertainment first announced its foray into a SkyCity online gambling site, stating the project would be a conservative first step. Currently, according to SkyCity’s figures, New Zealanders spend about NZ$160 million annually at offshore gambling sites. The company supports regulating a local online casino market with licenses, taxation, and a variety of responsibility obligations.

New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) recently opened a call for public submissions. They want to discuss the establishment of a regulatory framework that would shape gambling and licensing local casino sites. Right now, the only state-authorised online platforms are Lotto and TAB.

The NZ government should be interested in getting its market share of the internet casino industry. Figures from the DIA show a huge interest by Kiwi gamblers for online betting. Between 2015 and 2017, there has been an 84% increase in offshore digital gambling growing from NZ$132 million to NZ$243 million respectively. Recent figures show that it has grown to NZ$381 million in the past 18 months.

The DIA’s call for public submissions on localising gambling sites close at the end of September.

For gamblers looking for some casino sites like SkyCity online gambling site, check out our top-rated sites for Kiwi players.

More NZ casino news: