New Zealand-based casinos are launching unregulated online gambling platforms out of Malta, which bypass local regulations. 

In New Zealand, it’s illegal for casinos to provide online gambling services, but it is legal for people to gamble on offshore websites. 

Moving operations to Malta means these casinos still reach New Zealand customers – however our laws and regulations do not apply, and communities do not benefit from taxes and levies. 

Christchurch Casino’s new online operation out of Malta follows Sky City’s launch from the same country back in 2019. 

Under the Gambling Act, government-owned Lotto and the TAB are the only operators able to offer online services. 

The Department of Internal Affairs is looking to update and modernise the two-decade old legislation for a more online world, which may allow more online gambling platforms to operate here legally.

Kathryn speaks to Maria Bellringer, the director of AUT’s Gambling and Addictions Research Centre. 

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