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The Legality of iGaming in NZ and the Market’s Future

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We’ve seen a seismic shift in the typical approach to iGaming regulation in recent times, with relatively diverse regions such as the US and Europe largely looking to legalise different verticals and bring outdated legislation kicking and screaming into the digital age.

Even in the UK, we’ve seen the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) being pressured to conduct a comprehensive licensing review in conjunction with the government and implement rule changes that help to safeguard players more effectively online.

New Zealand is also in the midst of a sustained legislative review, in a bid to update and enhance the existing Gambling Act of 2003. But what are the current iGaming laws in NZ, and what does the future hold for this market?

The Legality of iGaming in New Zealand

The Gambling Act of 2003 regulates all verticals both on and offline in NZ, although the fact that it predates the UK’s Gambling Act of 2005 highlights just how out of touch this legislation may be.

Certainly, some would argue that New Zealand’s regulatory approach is quite strange, although it’s actually deceptively popular and widespread in a number of non-European markets.

More specifically, online gambling is prohibited when using private and domestic operators based within the borders of New Zealand. However, no such provision has been made for wagering with international markets, which has made a vast and increasingly motivated audience available to global operators such as Betway,  777.com and others listed on the onlinecasinonewzealand.nz website.

The only exceptions to this rule exist in the form of Lotto and TAB, which are centrally controlled government agencies that provide limited lottery and sports betting products respectively.

Interestingly, the overseas online casino market has grown markedly in a relatively short space of time, with New Zealanders pouring an incredible $381 million into the coffers of offshore operators during the past 18 months alone.

Such growth has also prompted discussion amongst various stakeholders in NZ, with two key points of discussion being raised as part of the aforementioned review of the 2003 Gambling Act.

Firstly, the amount of money being spent with offshore operators has raised concerns about lost tax revenue, as the licensing of limited domestic brands could create lucrative levies that are instead payable to the New Zealand government.

Secondly, it has been argued that there’s a fundamental lack of control and regulation pertaining to international casino operators in NZ, creating a digital market that’s particularly hard to control and likely to increase the gambling-related harm caused to society.

We’ll touch more on the likely outcome of the review by the Department of Internal Affairs below, while asking what iGaming in NZ may look like in the future.

 

How Will the Review Affect iGaming in New Zealand?

Clearly, the main goals of the review will be to factor in the overwhelmingly digital nature of gambling in 2021, while also focusing on the best ways to monetise iGaming for the NZ government and adequately safeguard players.

The Department of Internal Affairs has already issued four initial proposals, although these have come under some fire for being heavily weighted in favour of monetising the industry and increasing access to casinos rather than protecting gamblers.

The first idea would see Lotto and TAB expanded to offer a wider range of products, including a centrally controlled online casino. This would provide limited competition to the nation’s army of overseas operators, although this measure may not go far enough given the number of brands currently active in NZ.

A second, and more feasible, option would see new licensed operators enter the region’s iGaming market, including both domestic brands and carefully selected overseas companies.

This would certainly boost market competition, while allowing the government to create a framework in which all operators pay tax and remote gaming duty directly back into the NZ economy. This would definitely appear to be the most likely outcome from the current review, even though future provisions would have to be made to protect players from the impact of gambling-related harm.

This is also far more appealing than a third reform option, which would be to allow more international operators (such as Mega Moolah) to apply for online licenses in NZ.

After all, the DIA would probably have to rely on voluntary compliance to rules and regulations, although it would once again increase market competition and guarantee competitive odds and welcome bonuses for players.

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The Free Bet Wheel: Betting.bet Increases Player Engagement with New Gamification Tool

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One of the UK’s leading betting aggregators, betting.bet, has introduced the Free Bet Wheel, a new free-to-play tool designed to increase user retention and interaction. Tied to the weekend’s Premier League football, this gamified feature offers users the opportunity to earn free bets and a weekly £100 cash reward.

At a time when most iGaming affiliates are focused on developing foreign markets such as Latin America and Africa, the function illustrates betting.bet’s ongoing commitment to the UK.

About the Free Bet Wheel

  • Weekend Availability: The Free Bet Wheel runs every weekend, aligned with major Premier League and international football matches.

  • Multiple Chances to Win: Players receive up to four spins to try their luck each weekend.

  • Winning Free Bets: Match three free bet colours within five spins to win a free bet on the featured match.

  • £100 Cash Jackpot: Land on the jackpot segment five times consecutively to win £100 in cash.

  • Loyalty Rewards: Players also collect bCoins, Betting.bet’s exclusive loyalty currency, which can be redeemed for a range of prizes, vouchers and rewards.

Strengthening Operator Partnerships Through Enhanced User Experience

By launching the Free Bet Wheel, betting.bet is not only elevating the player experience but also delivering tangible benefits to its network of partner operators. The feature offers a new avenue to profile selected betting partners, direct qualified traffic to safe free bets and reinforce affiliate partnerships through increased user activity and conversions.

Steve Gummer, Director of Betting.bet, stated: “We at betting.bet are dedicated to developing products and experiences that not only interest players but also provide clear value to our partners. Designed to benefit our UK community in a fun, frictionless manner, the Free Bet Wheel also supports important weekend traffic and sportsbook conversions.”

Driving Retention Through Gamification

This launch is part of a broader strategic focus on gamification and loyalty at betting.bet, aligning user enjoyment with commercial objectives. As the UK version of the platform continues to grow, features like the Free Bet Wheel are designed to support player acquisition, maximise LTV and drive weekend re-engagement.

The Free Bet Wheel is now live at betting.bet and available to all UK users aged 18+,

The post The Free Bet Wheel: Betting.bet Increases Player Engagement with New Gamification Tool appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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GR8 Tech Powers Smarter Betting with New Match Trackers

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GR8 Tech has unveiled a powerful new upgrade to its high-performance sportsbook platform: high-quality, real-time Match Trackers—designed to bring more action, insight, and excitement to players. Match Trackers are available across all of GR8 Tech’s sportsbook solutions, including iFrame and the Hyper Turnkey.

We’re always looking for ways to elevate the player experience and give our partners a competitive edge,” said Denys Parkhomenko, CPO at GR8 Tech. “Match Trackers have smart features that drive engagement, boost retention, and power faster betting decisions in real-time.

With broad coverage across football, basketball, tennis, hockey, volleyball, and handball, the trackers are live for pre-match analytics and in-game updates. Key features include:

  • Detailed Stats: From xG in football to rebounds in basketball and aces in tennis, players get live and historical stats tailored to each sport.
  • Key Moments & Summaries: Goals, assists, red cards, substitutions, and more delivered in real-time.
  • Pitch Animation: A dynamic, visual alternative to video streaming, showing key moments as they unfold on the field.
  • Lineups & Live Updates: Full team sheets, coaches, and live substitutions, so players are always in the know.
  • Live Standings: Updated rankings and tournament tables across all supported sports.

By providing operators with the tools to deliver everything players need in one place, GR8 Tech enhances the sportsbook user experience, enabling more confident betting and driving longer player sessions.

The launch of Match Trackers marks another step in the company’s long-term strategy to deliver a best-in-class, sportsbook-driven platform and become the leading sportsbook provider by 2028. Coverage will soon expand to even more sports to meet operators’ needs.

The post GR8 Tech Powers Smarter Betting with New Match Trackers appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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Midnite creates free limited-edition beer for fans to enjoy at World Snooker Championship

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Midnite is the new official UK betting and casino partner of the World Championship, Snooker’s greatest event, which will run from April 19 to May 5.

To celebrate the partnership, Midnite has created a FREE limited edition lager – with one free beer available per person – which will be served at a local pub throughout the tournament.

The one-off lager will be served at The Graduate, an iconic Sheffield pub a short walk from The Crucible, with fans able to enjoy a new beer on tap while the World Championship comes to the city.

Midnite has partnered with London-based brewery Drop Project to bring the concept to life. Drop Project creates the freshest, premium flavoursome beers with consistent high-quality results, and pushes creative boundaries and brews the beers that both inspire their passions for the industry and our lifestyles.

A Midnite spokesperson, commented: “We have worked with Drop Project to bring fans a Midnite lager that they can enjoy throughout the whole tournament. We wanted to create something tangible that snooker fans can enjoy throughout, and to have been able to create our own beer is something we’re pleased with.

“The World Snooker Championship brings real excitement to the city, and fans can head straight from The Crucible, to The Graduate and enjoy a pint or two of our specially brewed lager, just for the occasion.”

Midnite is providing the beer free of charge – one free drink per person of Midnite Lager Only and for ticket holders to the Snooker World Championship (18+). Redeem by showing your matchday ticket at The Graduate. While stock lasts.

The post Midnite creates free limited-edition beer for fans to enjoy at World Snooker Championship appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.

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