SkyCity Launches Online Gambling Site for Kiwi Punters, Offering Exciting Pokies

How It All Started

As New Zealanders spend millions of dollars on non – kiwi casinos overseas, with no benefit to the country, lately SkyCity revealed its plans that it has been involved in deep talks with the Department of Internal Affairs about the launch of their online casino. Even though the casino would not be under NZ law, SkyCity has offered to pay about $40 million in tax. This is to soften the criticism from local pokies operators who may feel threatened by the advantage of SkyCity. However, if the department declines Sky City says it will go towards their community trust grants. SkyCity now has its online gambling site.

Read: SkyCity Online Casino NZ Full Review

Though SkyCity has launched their offshore-based online casino, in New Zealand online casinos cannot operate directly out of the country however Kiwis are allowed to gamble online. Skycity has seen the market potential and jumped on the opportunity. It is estimated that Kiwis spend almost 400 million yearly on other European online casinos. Now, SkyCity wants its $180 million pieces of the online casino pie.

Even though SkyCity cannot directly market its online casino to New Zealand gamblers, it will use Search Engines to reach players. Internal Affairs Minister Tracey Martin stated that she would be taking the motion for new laws regulating gambling to Cabinet in April.

Online Casino by Skycity

Although SkyCity is confident that Martin will push for the laws to change so as to allow NZ-based online gambling operators; they cannot wait two years. That is why they have opted for legal offshore online casinos which are accessible to Kiwis.

The SkyCity online casino started functioning in August 2021. It is fascinating to see how popular this site grows in Europe and New Zealand. Most reports claim that the SkyCity online casino will be based in Europe, alongside many of the most popular online gambling sites in the world. The company has advertised to New Zealanders if they are interested in what’s being offered as New Zealanders are able to gamble through sites based in other countries.

This casino site offers casino games. Sports betting is massively popular throughout most of New Zealand, yet this casino has limited experience in this market. The exact number of casino games and betting limits have not yet been established.

Features & Benefits of SkyCity’s Online Gambling Site

SkyCity Online Gambling site is the newly immersed technology in the world of online casinos. It has multiple benefits which are proven to be beneficial for multiple users.

• Variety of Pokies – The online casino run by SkyCity has a wide selection of pokies to suit all tastes and interests. A broad variety of well-known games from reputable software developers are available to players, ensuring excellent visuals, captivating gameplay, and captivating themes. The website often adds new pokies to its collection in order to keep gamers interested and offer novel gaming opportunities.
• User Experience – The user experience is prioritised by SkyCity’s web platform, which provides users with a smooth and engaging interface. Players may browse the various pokies and discover their favourite games with ease thanks to the site’s easy navigation interface. It offers a mobile-friendly experience, making it compatible with a variety of devices including smartphones and tablets and enabling users to play their preferred pokies on the go. Both expert and inexperienced players may easily enjoy the games because of the user-friendly interface and straightforward gaming elements.
• Unique Features and Exclusive Bonuses – SkyCity’s online gambling site offers unique features and bonuses that are exclusively available to its players. These features may include innovative gameplay mechanics, special symbols, interactive bonus rounds, or other elements that enhance the overall gaming experience. You will get an exciting 100% Match up to a $100 Bonus + 70 Free Spins while playing at this online casino.
• Live Casino Games – SkyCity’s online casino may provide a live casino area in addition to pokies. With live dealers and immersive HD broadcasting, gamers may enjoy the excitement of playing traditional table games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat in real-time. Players may enjoy an immersive, real-world casino experience from the convenience of their homes.
• 24/7 Customer Support – The online casino operated by SkyCity provides 24/7 customer service to help players with any questions or issues. Dedicated helplines, email, and live chat are all examples of customer service channels. Players are guaranteed immediate assistance anytime they require it thanks to prompt and effective customer service.

Games to Play

The platform offers a range of games from pokies to table games, and live dealer games. Due to collaboration and as it’s currently accessed by Kiwi players only; it does have a mobile app option. SkyCity is licensed in Malta with an agreement between a Maltese subsidiary (SKYCITY Malta Ltd) of SkyCity.

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Read Also: Pokies at Skycity Casino

Security & Licensing

SkyCity takes the safety and security of players’ personal and financial information seriously. Through advanced measures, they ensure a secure online gambling experience. The website employs industry-standard encryption technology, such as SSL encryption, to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access. SkyCity’s online gambling site operates in compliance with relevant regulations and holds necessary licenses, including those issued by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), guaranteeing a legal and secure platform for players.

The MGA is a reputable gambling authority known for its rigorous standards and regulatory oversight. Regular audits by independent testing agencies further ensure fairness and game integrity on the site. Certified Random Number Generators are used to provide unbiased outcomes in pokies and other games, maintaining a level playing field for all players. SkyCity also promotes responsible gambling by offering resources and tools to assist players in maintaining control over their gambling activities. By prioritizing safety, security, and responsible gambling initiatives, SkyCity, in collaboration with the MGA, aims to create a trustworthy and enjoyable environment for online players.

Bonuses & Promotions

The deposit you get is 100% but the limit is up to only NZ$100. The deposit match bonus will require a 35x wager and you get it within 30 days in order for the withdrawal to be eligible. The player will also receive 70 free spins comprising 10 free spins a day, for 7 days. An added bonus is that the free spins require no wager minimum, however, they will only be available for selected games. The online platform will not be linked with the brick and mortar casino in Auckland, which means the promotions will not be linked either.

VIP & Loyalty

This online platform is relatively new, therefore, VIP and Loyalty programs are not established yet. But players can brace themselves for the possibility of lucrative programs in the future.

Payment System

They accept various deposit methods like Visa/MasterCard, Maestro, Skrill, Neteller, PaysafeCard, Interac, Ecopayz, and Sofort. It also includes Cubits, Wirecard, Zimpler, Trustly, and 13. iDebit. For withdrawal Visa/MasterCard, Maestro, Skrill, Neteller, Sofort, Cubits, Trustly, and Zimpler.

Responsible Gambling

SkyCity’s online casino takes responsible gambling seriously, implementing various measures to ensure player well-being. The site offers self-exclusion options, allowing players to limit or suspend their access when needed. Deposit limits help players manage their spending, while time management tools and reality check reminders promote healthy gaming habits.

SkyCity collaborates with problem gambling organizations to provide resources and support, including access to helplines and counselling services. These initiatives aim to raise awareness and provide assistance to those in need. By prioritizing responsible gambling, SkyCity’s online casino creates a safe and responsible gaming environment for players to enjoy their favourite games responsibly.

About Sky City Casinos

SkyCity Entertainment Group is an entertainment and gaming business owning and operating casinos in New Zealand mainly in Auckland, Hamilton, and Queenstown and in Australia at Adelaide and Darwin, alongside a variety of restaurants and bars, luxury hotels, convention centres, and Auckland’s Sky Tower. SkyCity casinos often depend to a large degree on several hundred high-stakes gamblers, often from East Asia, who may gamble hundreds of thousands of dollars in one visit to a casino.

The SkyCity group owns six casinos in Australia and New Zealand – SkyCity Auckland, SkyCity Hamilton, SkyCity Queenstown, SkyCity Wharf Casino, Adelaide Casino, and SkyCity Darwin.

Six Casinos of Skycity Group

• Adelaide Casino is a product of SkyCity Entertainment Group in June 2000. It has 90 gaming tables and 990 gaming machines. It has the only table gaming licence issued by the South Australian Government, giving it a monopoly over the gambling business in the state.
• SkyCity Auckland is New Zealand’s largest casino. Located in Central Auckland, it provides table and slot machine gaming, with 1647 gaming machines and 110 gaming tables. The facility includes the 328-metre-tall Sky Tower, two hotels, a convention centre, a 700-seat theatre, and more than 20 restaurants and bars with regular live bands, DJs and other entertainment. It opened on 2 February 1996. By 2017 it will also house a convention centre catering for up to 3500 guests, costing $402 million.
• SkyCity Darwin, formerly known as the MGM Grand Darwin, is the only casino in Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory Australia. This Entertainment Group bought the casino, which includes a 5-star hotel from MGM Mirage, on 23 June 2004 for $140 million US. SkyCity Darwin houses 700 gaming machines and 40 gaming tables.
• SkyCity Hamilton is a casino in Hamilton, New Zealand, that opened in September 2002. It has 339 gaming machines and 23 tables, a restaurant and a bar, with live music and other performers on Friday and Saturday nights. It is part of the Riverside Centre on the Waikato River, which includes bars, restaurants and ten-pin bowling operated by SkyCity Hamilton.
• SkyCity Queenstown opened in December 2000. It has 160 gaming machines and 18 gaming tables.
• SkyCity Wharf Casino is a boutique casino in the heart of Steamer Wharf. There’s lots of fun to have on the gaming tables so get a group together and learn to play Poker, Baccarat and Blackjack.

SkyCity cannot run a New Zealand-based online casino. But the government can’t stop SkyCity from launching one offshore. It will most likely be based in Malta and will accept transactions in NZ dollars and will target Kiwi gamblers.

Aware that it would be unregulated, SkyCity wants anti-pokies advocated and the Problem Gambling Foundation to know that it will install anti-problem gambling mechanisms and is offering to pay the right tax rate on any earnings. Alternatively, they are proposing donating a percentage of their earnings to charity.

Gambling Act

Note that Gambling has been a part of New Zealand’s culture for hundreds of years. In 2003, the government here passed a Gambling Act that deemed all forms of gambling illegal; unless directly authorized by the government. It’s to make them understand that Gambling establishments inside the country need to obtain a license. They should also pay taxes to the government in order to legally operate.

The Gambling Act of 2003 applies to online gambling, as well. Unfortunately, lawmakers in New Zealand have not passed any legislation to allow New Zealand-based companies to offer internet gambling options. This means any gaming sites caught operating inside the country will face heavy fines, at the very least.

That doesn’t mean gambling options in this country are limited to real-land casinos. New Zealanders can legally gamble online through sites based outside the country.

Click here for reviews of online casinos in New Zealand

Conclusion

SkyCity’s new online gambling site brings an exciting array of pokies and a user-friendly experience to Kiwi punters. With a diverse selection of games and themes, players have plenty of choices to suit their preferences. The site prioritizes safety and security, employing advanced encryption technology and holding reputable licenses, including from the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA).

Responsible gambling initiatives and collaborations further promote a safe and controlled gaming environment. With exclusive bonuses and a commitment to player satisfaction, SkyCity’s online gambling site offers a compelling platform for Kiwi punters to enjoy their favourite pokies with peace of mind.