New Zealand is gearing up to regulate its online casino market by 2026, with the government planning to issue a limited number of licenses through an auction process. This move is expected to generate significant revenue, although estimates vary on the exact figures.

Government Revenue Projections

According to Jarrod True, a prominent gambling lawyer from True Legal, the New Zealand government has budgeted for a taxable annual revenue of NZ$500 million (approximately US$300.8 million) from the regulated online gambling market. However, this figure is notably lower than industry estimates. Existing monopolies in New Zealand, such as Tab NZ and Lotto NZ, suggest that the current grey market spending is closer to NZ$900 million.

The popularity of online gambling in New Zealand has surged, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic when physical venues were closed. True noted, “Online gambling is very, very popular in New Zealand and we saw a massive explosion with Covid-19 and our physical venues locked down. That’s really continued [since].” Currently, Tab NZ is the only legal online betting operator in the country, operating in partnership with Entain.

Regulated Online Casino: A Government Priority?

The government’s decision to launch regulated online casinos by early 2026, a general election year, suggests that this initiative is a priority. True remarked, “As far as saying it will be in place by early 2026, that is effectively prioritising the legislation.” However, he also pointed out that the legislative process will be lengthy, with the draft legislation expected to be released later this year, followed by a public consultation in 2025.

The New Zealand government is seeking input from international stakeholders to gain insights into regulatory frameworks from other jurisdictions. Despite this, many details about the regulatory process remain unclear, including the number of licenses to be issued and the associated costs. True mentioned that land-based operators like SkyCity Entertainment Group might have lobbied for limited online licenses to secure a larger market share.

SkyCity and Skyline Entertainment have already ventured into the online space, launching Malta-licensed casinos. SkyCity operates through a white label partnership with Gaming Innovation Group, while Skyline’s ChristchurchCasino.com is powered by White Hat Gaming.

Initially, the regulator considered having no cap on online licenses to minimize gambling-related harm. However, True criticized the auction-based limited license approach, stating, “Although the government will make a little bit of money out of an auction, I think it’s very shortsighted.” He also suggested that the policy could be reconsidered during the public consultation phase if stakeholders express significant opposition.

One policy that has already been established is a ban on gambling sponsorships, which True described as “very left-field.” He speculated that this decision was driven by a particular individual in the cabinet who was keen to make a mark on the legislation.

Source:

New Zealand government expects $500m regulated icasino market, igamingbusiness.com, August 9, 2024.

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North Carolina succeeded in getting legal sports betting approved but failed to legalize casino gaming in 2023. While proponents of casino resorts plan to continue pushing for legalization of the vertical, opponents of such a measure are anxious that the game might be rigged.

For reference, North Carolina recently vowed to provide several counties, including Anson, Nash and Rockingham, with funding for major infrastructural improvements. The move caused some to think that the measure might be a preparation for the launch of casino gaming in the Tar Heel State.

For reference, Anson is set to be provided with $6 million for wastewater projects. Nash, on the other hand, will receive some $17 million for similar reasons. The biggest winner of all is Rockingham, which will be provided with a whopping $54.5 million for infrastructural upgrades. The money is part of the $2 billion North Carolina will allocate to infrastructure projects across the state.

The Government Has Been Planning This Investment for Years

According to uneasy opponents of the expansion of gambling, the infrastructural improvements in question are a setup for the launch of Las Vegas-style resorts as they will facilitate the construction of such venues.

Opponents of the launch of casino gaming were quick to point out that last year’s legislation sought approval for casino resorts in these exact counties. The legislation was the brainchild of Sen. Phil Berger and was supported by The Cordish Companies, a major casino and hospitality company. Berger’s promise to reintroduce the measure in 2024 is another factor that caused concern among anti-gambling activists.

For reference, the majority of voters in North Carolina oppose further expansion of the state’s gambling industry. At the same time, Berger believes casino resorts are not just about gaming but about nurturing the economic growth of rural areas as a whole.

In any case, the government was quick to point out that there is no correlation between the proposed improvements and some local leaders’ support for casino resorts. According to the authorities, the infrastructural investments are something they have been planning for years.

Anson County Manager Leonard Sossamon, however, did confirm that the infrastructure improvements would benefit a potential casino resort – a project that would be impossible at the moment.

In other news, NC recently approved the second batch of sports betting rules.

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WarHorse Gaming, a division of the Winnebago Tribe’s economic development arm, Ho-Chunk, Inc., is developing two brick-and-mortar casino resorts in the state- WarHorse Casino Lincoln at the Lincoln Race Course and WarHorse Casino Omaha at Horsemen’s Park. These developments will be a game-changer for local economies, and they come at a time when sports betting has also taken root in the state.

High-Profile Venues Will Redefine Nebraska’s Hospitality Sector

The WarHorse Casino projects in Lincoln and Omaha signify a vital step forward for Nebraska’s economy. The state’s decision to allow Las Vegas-style casinos to operate at licensed horse racetracks can allow such venues to become catalysts for economic growth in their respective regions. WarHorse’s two projects aim to open next year, redefining Nebraska’s hospitality industry.

Both developments will feature ongoing expansions, eventually including on-site hotels with approximately 200 guestrooms, further enhancing their appeal as entertainment destinations. The operator’s safe gambling efforts have been instrumental in maintaining a safe and secure environment, bolstering customer confidence, and fostering an enduring reputation for quality and social responsibility.

WarHorse Casino Omaha opened a temporary gaming space in September 2022, featuring over 400 slot machines and pari-mutuel simulcast wagering. This gaming venue, set up within the infield at Horsemen’s Park, marked the beginning of the operator’s operations in Omaha. Subsequently, WarHorse Gaming applied to expand its offering by introducing sports betting at this location.

WarHorse Will Also Capitalize on the Launch of Sports Betting

The recent approval by the Nebraska Racing and Gaming Commission allowed WarHorse to offer sports wagering at select venues after 1 November. The company has partnered with Kambi for its sports betting operations, leveraging the supplier’s substantial experience in the tribal gaming industry. This collaboration reflects the WarHorse’s commitment to providing patrons with a high-quality sports wagering experience.

The launch of sports betting in Omaha holds particular significance as it coincides with the height of the football season. The NFL and the NCAA traditionally dwarf all other sports during this period, and sports fans will finally have the chance to support their favorite teams. Legalizing sports betting should also eliminate the need for cross-state trips to Iowa, bolstering the local economy.

WarHorse Casino has expertly timed its entry into Nebraska to capitalize on its expanded gaming options. The recent regulatory developments and high-profile launches should stimulate local economies, provide a source of entertainment, and enhance the state’s gaming landscape. WarHorse Gaming’s commitment to delivering a superior gaming and sports betting experience aims to transform Nebraska’s gaming industry and aid sustained growth.

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South African cricket fast bowler Dale Steyn will work together with Win Millions Lotto to support nature conservation projects across Africa and India. As a result, the partnership will see a portion of the proceeds from lottery ticket sales donated to The Legacy Experience Foundation (TLEF).

A legend in cricket, Steyn has chosen to represent TLEF, which is a non-profit organization founded by Kevin Pietersen, a fellow cricket star. TLEF’s initiatives seek to protect endangered wildlife in Africa and India, maintaining the integrity of the local ecosystems.

As a partner of Win Millions Lotto, Steyn will promote the operator’s products across his social media channels. Thanks to the player’s partnership with the lottery company, players will be able to indirectly contribute to TLEF’s initiatives.

By clicking on one of the links on Steyn’s Instagram page, fans will make sure that a portion of their money will go to support important conservation projects that seek to protect the environment from human activity.

In addition to supporting a relevant cause, players can win special experiences that will allow them to meet Steyn in person. This will be the opportunity of a lifetime for many passionate cricket aficionados.

Steyn Encouraged Fans to Play Through His Instagram Link

As an ally of Win Millions Lotto, Steyn will join the likes of Andre Russell, Dinesh Karthik and Dwayne Bravo who are all partners of the lottery operator. This strong lineup of partners allows the company to appeal to sports fans, channeling them toward its platform.

The agreement with Steyn is likely to attract even more sports fans. This will bolster Win Millions Lotto’s presence while allowing fans to support important initiatives and help to protect endangered animals across the world.

Steyn said that he is delighted by the opportunity to work with Win Millions Lotto and support TLEF – a conservation charity that is really close to his heart. He praised the non-profit for its good work and encouraged his players to play Win Millions Lotto’s lotteries through his Instagram page.

Steyn concluded that he is looking forward to meeting the lucky fans who will win a meet-up with him and discussing cricket over a nice dinner.

Sulim Malook, Win Millions Lotto’s chief executive officer, said that his team is glad to welcome Steyn as a partner. Malook added that the lottery company is proud to support Steyn’s charity of choice and allow fans to meet him in person.

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An independent report in Australia claims that by 2027 illegal gambling could cost nearly AU$3 billion ($1.99 billion) in lost taxes and product fees, urging authorities to take appropriate action to prevent the losses.

New Regulation Should Be Evidence-Based

The Australia Offshore Wagering Market Analysis 2023 Report states that by 2027 racing and sports bodies in the country are set to lose AU$1.6 billion ($1.1 billion) from product fees, with another AU$1.3 billion ($861 million) lost in taxes.

Commenting on the report findings, recently appointed chief executive officer of Responsible Wagering Australia (RWA), Kai Cantwell, outlined that any further regulations on the legal wagering industry should be evidence-based and take into consideration the views expressed by the industry, sporting bodies and broadcasters.

“It is crucial that any future reforms are balanced and prevent Australian players from being driven offshore, where player protections are limited,” he said, adamant that “failure to maintain a sustainably regulated sports betting market could result in a significant loss of economic benefits to the Australian economy, as well as to the sporting, racing, and broadcasting industries.”

Prepared by independent data analytics firm H2 Gambling Capital on behalf of Responsible Wagering Australia, the peak body for the licensed wagering service providers in the country, the report also estimates that currently, the offshore market in Australia is approximately 15% of the total market and worth more than AU$1.1 billion ($728 million).

Taking advantage that they do not have to pay tax revenues or product fees, the offshore operators are offering more competitive pricing to Australians compared to their legal counterparts. As a result of offshore firms aggressively targeting locals, the number of their websites increased almost twofold in the past four years, the report highlighted.

Advertising Helps Players Recognize Offshore Firms

The report also urges that a broad and fair onshore market licensing system that favors licensed operators” is maintained as the offshore market, once established, is hard to eradicate. And Data shows that the offshore market is not only established but growing.

Turning to the subject of gambling advertising, the analysis claims that any prevention of advertising and marketing from legal operators will have a negative impact as players would not be able to distinguish between legal and illegal websites.

The lack of advertising for legal operators will also place them at a disadvantage to their competitors offshore which are utilizing affiliate websites to advertise their products and services regularly and those affiliates are located outside of the country and hard to police.

“RWA and its members look forward to the outcomes of the House of Representatives Inquiry into Online Gambling and will continue to work with government to discuss sensible measures that ensure that the six million Australians who enjoy a punt can do so safely,” Cantwell concluded.

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