SkyCity New Zealand Launches Digital Casino Based in Malta
The SkyCity Entertainment Group has launched a digital casino based in Malta. The online gaming site is a joint venture with Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) under the URL skycitycasino.com. Tapping into the digital gaming market has been in the making for SkyCity New Zealand since May, with the rollout taking place on Friday 9. The web-based gambling environment in Kiwi is highly regulated, which is why they opted for the offshore licensing.
This expansion is part of SkyCity’s diversification of their portfolio after they realized the missed opportunity. The Auckland SkyCity casino remains the marque gaming establishment for the group, raking in most of the revenue while Adelaide casino continues to struggle. This is juxtaposed by the reports by the Department of Internal Affairs, citing that offshore online gambling has grown by 84% since 2015.
Partnership Deal Between SkyCity New Zealand & GiG
Maltese-based casino management service company, Gaming Innovation Group is responsible for the management of the online platform. This is regarding the front-end of the website and the gaming content that players can find casino lobby. While this move may not be much of a surprise to New Zealanders, the gaming group has exercised caution about their expectations of the online platform. The estimated returns from the project are only expected to take time before they reach their full potential
DIA Looking to Introduce Online Gambling
The Department of Internal Affairs is actively looking into introducing a framework to legalize online gambling. The new regulations will award licenses to both local and overseas casino operators. Currently, the only providers of internet gambling in New Zealand are state-owned platforms in LottoNZ and TAB. The discussions are centred around the licensing requirements along with setting up appropriate taxes, and social responsibility obligations. The discussions are reported to come to a close in September. In the meantime, keep your eyes glued to kiwicasino.co.nz for the latest gambling news in New Zealand.