SkyCity and Bet365 are among the operators facing legal action in New Zealand over online gambling losses, adding a new court fight as the country prepares to open a regulated online casino market. Court proceedings filed in Auckland also name other operators, with the claims aimed at testing whether gambling losses can be recovered from platforms that offered online gambling to New Zealand users.
The case is drawing attention because it lands at a sensitive time for the sector. New Zealand is still building its new licensing system for online casino gambling, and the Department of Internal Affairs says the licensing process will only begin after the legislation comes into force in 2026.
Claims focus on losses through offshore online gambling operations
The legal action first emerged around SkyCity Online, which operates through Malta. The claim seeks to cover gambling losses incurred by New Zealand players on that platform between February 2020 and February 2026. SkyCity has denied liability and said it will defend the case.
The challenge has since widened beyond SkyCity. Bet365 and Super Group have also been named in related proceedings, turning the matter into a broader test case for online gambling offered to New Zealand customers from offshore bases.
Case lands as New Zealand prepares a licensed market
New Zealand’s Online Casino Gambling Bill is designed to create a licensed online casino system with up to 15 operators. Under the government’s current plan, licensed operators will have to meet rules on consumer protection, harm minimisation and advertising.
That makes the timing important. The court action is focused on the legality of earlier online gambling activity, while the government is trying to move the market into a formal regulatory structure. The same bill is still being refined through amendment papers covering issues such as inducements, harm prevention and tax settings.
Legal challenge adds pressure before licences are issued
Regulation is meant to create a safer and better controlled online casino market. The new case adds another pressure before that system is up and running, especially for operators already active with New Zealand customers.
