SkyCity Online Casino for Kiwis
The SkyCity Entertainment Group have announced a partnership with Gaming Innovation Group (GIG) to launch a new online casino aimed at Kiwis. The online casino will be owned by a subsidiary of SkyCity Entertainment Group that will be based in Malta.
New Zealand Online Gambling Law
New Zealand’s Gambling Act of 2003 does have a provision related to online gambling. The act itself states.Section 9(2)(b) of the Gambling Act 2003 prohibits remote interactive gambling. The definition of remote interactive gambling includes “gambling by a person at a distance by interaction through a communication device.
Communication devices can be defined as:
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- Computers
- Telephones
- Smart Phones
- Tablets
- Radios
- TVs
- or similar devices
Prohibited Gambling
Gambling is prohibited and illegal unless it is:
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- authorised by or under this Act and complies with this Act and any relevant licence, game rules, and minimum standards; or
- authorised by or under the Racing Act 2003 and complies with that Act and any regulations made under it; or
- private gambling.
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The following types of gambling are prohibited and illegal and are not authorised by and may not be authorised under this Act:
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- Bookmaking
- remote interactive gambling
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The following activities are prohibited in the Sky City Casino:
- Prohibits wearing unclean clothing or shoes.
- Men are not permitted to wear sleeveless tops, and all safety gear is prohibited. Sunglasses are only permitted in the poker zone.
- All ripped or damaged clothing must be trendy to be worn.
- Hats and caps are not permitted unless necessary for medical or religious reasons.
In Sky City, there are also dining options. 20 bars and eateries, a sky tower, and a theatre are among them. For those with more adrenaline, they also throw dice, allowing you to fling yourself by performing a skydive. Additionally, there is a spa where you can unwind and rest.
Exceptions to the rule
Remote interactive gambling does not include gambling by a person in New Zealand conducted by a gambling operator located outside New Zealand.
This is the reason that SKYCITY Malta ltd was created in Malta. It was to allow SkyCity to accept New Zealand, casino players. Even though SkyCity Entertainment Group is located in New Zealand and operates SkyCity Auckland, the subsidiary that owns the casino will be based outside of New Zealand, making it completely legal for it to service Kiwis
Will SkyCity Online Casino be able to advertise?
It is unlikely that SkyCity will be able to promote its online casino to its existing player base as the law clearly states:Advertising overseas gambling is prohibited under section 16 of the Gambling Act 2003. An overseas gambling advertisement is any communication that publicises or promotes gambling, or a gambling operator, when that gambling, or operator, is outside New Zealand. It is also any communication that is reasonably likely to induce people to gamble outside New Zealand. Section 16 makes this an offence under the Gambling Act and carries a fine of up to $10,000.
More Information on the casino
Best New Zealand Casinos has an excellent review and detail on what products and features will be available at the SkyCity Online Casino.