Ban on Online Gambling With Credit Cards on New Zealand’s Mind

Date Published

Authored by

Staff Writer

Blog new zealand

Implementing a ban on the use of credit cards for online gambling is being considered by the government agency, New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs that is responsible for regulating gambling on the country’s territory.

As SKYCITY Entertainment Group, the local casino operator’s preparations hot up to make its primary entry into the online gaming scene, news arrived about the probable initiation of a ban on credit card gambling.

The state-run Lotto and TAB are the only authorized operators allowed to supply online gambling services within New Zealand under the existing law of the country. Earlier this year, however, it appears that for the launch of its first online casino, SKYCITY, which operates casino and four hotel assets across New Zealand, joined forces with a Malta-based online gambling company.

Fuelled by Gaming Innovation Group, the online casino platform for betting and gaming operations and technology provider, the online gaming operation will be controlled by SkyCity Malta, SKYCITY’s Maltese holding.

There were mixed reactions to SKYCITY’s decision to foray into the online gambling sector. There were apprehensions that the skycitycasino launch would make the community turn to a recognized brand that would feed their gambling appetites, resulting in amplified gambling addiction cases.

The Department of Internal Affairs was perhaps, provoked to review the nation’s gambling laws and consider a ban on the use of credit cards for online gambling, in the wake of these concerns.

The Potential Ban

Whether a ban on credit cards would be introduced in New Zealand or not, the move is believed to shield local gambling customers from unwarranted expenditures on gambling websites that are not maintained by qualified local authorities.

Close on the heels of the UK Gambling Commission’s announcement for convening a twelve-week discussion beginning mid-August to decide whether to ban credit cards online gambling, news arrived about New Zealand’s likely banning of gambling-related credit cards transactions.

There were rumours last month that, come 1 July, Australian bank Macquarie would commence blocking all transactions that fall under merchant codes gambling. As per suggestions, it is believed more banks could follow the same trend. 

As cited earlier, only two operators are permitted to conduct online gambling from inside the country, under New Zealand law. Nevertheless, by making Malta its operational base, SKYCITY is bypassing the existing regulations.

To guarantee that customers are given the prospect for “enjoying their play in a secure and safe environment”, the operator has assured that its site would incorporate the necessary practices and apparatus.

SKYCITY going live with an online casino validates the need for fresh, stringent gambling policies in the country, feel many New Zealand legislators. The initial step toward some kind of reformation of the local market seems to be the prospective ban on gambling with credit cards.

Guides and Feature Articles Similar to this Topic

Continue Reading

Paysafe and Playtech collaborate to enter UK and Europe market

Paysafe and Playtech collaborate to enter UK and Europe market

Online payments solutions provider Paysafe and iGaming supplier Playtech have inked a new cooperative agreement that sees them extend their existing partnership as the payment platform becomes available in the UK and Europe.Both companies...

Relax Gaming releases Temple Tumble 2 Dream Drop

Relax Gaming releases Temple Tumble 2 Dream Drop

Relax gaming has made good on a promise it made earlier this year to wow players with an exciting online slot featuring an innovative new mechanic. The provider recently announced the debut of its brand new title, Temple Tumble 2 ...

Microgaming hands-off gaming content to Games Global Limited

Microgaming hands-off gaming content to Games Global Limited

It has been six months since Microgaming announced the sale of its distribution business and online games portfolio to Games Global Limited. Now, with the deal finalized, the iGaming giant’s lucrative legacy officially has a new owner...

Palms Casino Report Las Vegas open again after 2 years

Palms Casino Report Las Vegas open again after 2 years

The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas had lain dormant for two years, but now with pandemic fears abating, the venue has returned to welcoming patrons again. The property re-opened to the public on April 27, 2022.The Palms General ...

Play’n Go launches Lordi Reel Monsters slot

Play’n Go launches Lordi Reel Monsters slot

Iconic horror rock ban Lordi lends its grim visages and terrifying tunes to a brand new Play’n GO online slot, Lordi Reel Monsters, an experience that just might rock your socks off.The Finnish heavy-metal band rose to fame at the...

Relax Gaming taps Gaming Realms to develop a new title

Relax Gaming taps Gaming Realms to develop a new title

Leading iGaming Supplier Gaming Realms recently confirmed that it had secured a new licensing agreement with games provider and aggregator, Relax Gaming. With the agreement in place, Gaming Realms will now develop a new Slingo game...

?>
VIEW ALL NEWS