Legal Actions Target Offshore Gambling Operators in New Zealand
- Three separate proceedings have been initiated against bet365, Super Group, and Skycity in the New Zealand High Court.
- Skycity’s class-action claim seeks restitution for player losses from February 2020 to February 2026, potentially covering NZ$64.5 million in online revenue.
- Bet365 has formally objected to the jurisdiction of New Zealand courts in its case.
- The legal actions are coordinated but not yet consolidated for joint case management.
- A recent ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union provides structural precedent for these claims against Malta-licensed platforms.
These proceedings arise as a response to amendments in New Zealand law prohibiting offshore operators from accepting bets without local licensing. The cases test the legality of operations like Skycity’s online platform under a Malta Gaming Authority license.
The outcome of these cases could impact future jurisdictional challenges and liability claims against offshore operators seeking market access in regulated environments like New Zealand.(Source)
