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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with relatively diverse regions such as the US and Europe largely looking to legalise different verticals and bring outdated legislation kicking and screaming into the digital age.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.

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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.

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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.

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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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ACR POKER’S FLAGSHIP ONLINE SUPER SERIES LAUNCHES THIS MARCH WITH $25 MILLION IN GUARANTEED PRIZE POOLS

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Climb the OSS Leaderboard to win a share of $35,000 in cash and tournament tickets

Building on the momentum of its revamped tournament schedule, which features expanded events, bigger guarantees, and faster gameplay, ACR Poker is rolling out its flagship Online Super Series (OSS) with $25 million in guaranteed prize pools from March 16th to 31st.

“Playing in the Online Super Series is always a great experience, and this time, it’s back with $25 million in guarantees across a diverse range of tournaments and buy-ins, ensuring there’s something for every player to enjoy,” said ACR Pro Chris Moneymaker.

Players can get ready for an action-packed OSS, headlined by two Main Events starting on Sunday, March 23rd: the $1.5 million guaranteed ($1,050 buy-in) and the $750,000 guaranteed ($215 buy-in). Adding to the excitement, the $1 million guaranteed ($630 buy-in) Main Multiflight Event kicks off on Sunday, March 16th.

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In addition, this year’s OSS lineup features three Mystery Bounty Multiflight events, including a supersized $500,000 guaranteed tournament with a $109 buy-in. For players seeking more budget-friendly options, the $200,000 guaranteed ($33 buy-in) and the $75,000 guaranteed ($5.50 buy-in) events are also on offer. Day 1 flights for these events begin this Sunday.

What’s more, ACR Poker is bringing back its OSS Leaderboard Contest. Players can compete for a share of over $35,000 in cash and tournament tickets, spread across two separate leaderboards with high ($44 and over) and low ($33 and under) buy-in levels.

Players can keep track and add their favorite OSS events to their calendar easily with ACR Poker’s online tournament schedule.

Online Super Series highlights:

  • $25 million in guaranteed prize pools
  • $35,000 Leaderboard Contest
  • Small, medium and large buy-ins
  • $1.5 million guaranteed Main Event, $1 million guaranteed Main Multiflight Event
  • Three Mystery Bounty tournaments (including $500,000 guaranteed)

Beyond the OSS, ACR Poker is just getting started with its turbocharged poker offerings. Players can jump into the revamped tournament schedule, take their shot in the Punta del Este Satellites on March 9th and 16th to win one of 16 packages ($5,500 value each) to the Enjoy Poker Tour in Uruguay, and prepare for a massive April lineup featuring two Venom tournaments.

For more information on the $25 million guaranteed Online Super Series, read the ACR Poker blog or visit ACRPoker.eu.

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Bitline and Everi Announce Crypto Liquidity for Choctaw Casinos & Resorts in Industry First Development

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Bitline, the only provider for casino chip access directly from cryptocurrency, has announced its first major collaboration in the U.S. casino market, teaming up with Choctaw Casinos & Resorts through its collaboration with Everi’s CashClub, the leading financial access services suit for casino payments. This collaboration introduces cryptocurrency and digital assets as a new source of liquidity for casino patrons and marks the first time that such a functionality has been enabled within the American gaming industry.

Leveraging Everi’s CashClub’s comprehensive payment infrastructure, Bitline’s solution is able to efficiently board, screen and verify patrons looking to leverage their digital assets whilst also allowing patrons to move screened assets into custody within minutes. Bitline’s integration with Everi’s CashClub, will enable the technology for the benefit of Choctaw Casinos & Resorts, and is the first time that such a functionality has been possible in the U.S. regulated casino market.

The collaboration works to cater to the growing demand for greater cryptocurrency and digital asset integration within the casino industry. The collaboration between Bitline and Everi’s CashClub forms a transferable blueprint that offers casino operators and their patrons an alternative way to manage funds, access liquidity, and leverage the benefits of cryptocurrency and other digital assets.

This milestone reflects a strategic shift in how casino operators view and manage financial interactions with their guests. The introduction of cryptocurrency as a liquidity solution provides additional options for guests and lays the foundation for  Choctaw Casinos & Resorts as it looks to the future of gaming sector finance, setting a new standard in financial accessibility and convenience.

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“Working with Choctaw Casinos & Resorts and Everi’s CashClub to make this a reality is a historical moment for both the casino and blockchain industries. Bitline was conceptualized to advance the gaming sector and offer a wider variety of financial options for the casino industry,” said Richard Jones, CEO at Bitline. “We’re entering an era where digital assets can fundamentally enhance the gaming experience, providing casino operators with a future-ready financial framework that can expand and evolve as the industry does. This collaboration is just the beginning of our vision to modernize casino payment capabilities on a global scale.”

“We are excited to be the first casino in North America to offer our guests another way to play,” said Thomas McDonald, Senior Director of Cage and Credit at Choctaw Casinos & Resorts. “Through our long-term relationship with Everi, a leader in fintech solutions, we will continue to invest in innovative offerings that provide the discerning gaming VIP access to funds in a safe and secure manner.”

 The Choctaw Casinos & Resorts integration represents only the first phase of Bitline’s broader mission to bring cryptocurrency solutions to casinos and casino patrons worldwide. As cryptocurrency and digital assets continue to gain traction in the gaming sector, Bitline’s easy to integrate and patented payment model stands poised to become a key player in transforming gaming finance. Future plans include expanding  services across other major casinos and gaming markets, both domestically and internationally, establishing cryptocurrency as a new standard feature of the gaming experience.

The solution is to be formally rolled out on March 7, 2025, with the first transaction taking place at Choctaw’s Durant, Oklahoma, location.

The post Bitline and Everi Announce Crypto Liquidity for Choctaw Casinos & Resorts in Industry First Development appeared first on Gaming and Gambling Industry in the Americas.

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DATA.BET Joins BiS SiGMA Americas 2025

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Another step in expanding into this dynamic market

DATA.BET strengthens its foothold in the Latin American market with its presence at BiS SiGMA Americas 2025. This marks the provider’s debut with the booth at Brazilian’s show, highlighting its ambitious plans to present its premium esports betting and virtual content solutions.

At the stand E140, DATA.BET’s team will connect with current and potential clients and partners to introduce esports betting and data products enhancements. Visitors can explore technically upgraded Single Page Application (SPA) and interactive widgets designed to optimize the betting experience, especially for mobile devices, and operational efficiency. In addition, the company offers extensive esports coverage with 35+ disciplines and over 12,500 live events monthly. Together with its virtual sports lineup that features 600,000 events yearly, DATA.BET provides a broad spectrum of betting content.

“As the industry evolves, we remain focused on equipping operators with comprehensive solutions needed to succeed,” said Otto Bonning, Head of Sales at DATA.BET. “LatAm represents a key market for many betting companies. Our presence at BiS SiGMA Americas 2025 underscores the  dedication to this region and businesses that aim to develop it, and we can’t wait to connect with leading professionals and partners.”

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