SkyCity set to play central role in iGaming in New Zealand
As it celebrates three decades of shaping Auckland’s entertainment landscape, SkyCity is now preparing to play a central role in the next chapter of New Zealand’s gaming industry — regulated online casino gaming.
Marking its 30th anniversary, SkyCity reflected on a legacy that began with its opening on February 2 1996 and has since seen over 100 million visitors, the creation of New Zealand’s largest tourism and entertainment precinct, and over $66 million distributed to 2,000+ community groups via the SkyCity Community Trusts.
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But amid the festivities — including a golden lighting of the iconic Sky Tower — the clearest signal from SkyCity was about the future: its ambition to lead in the country’s regulated iGaming market.
“Gaming is evolving in exciting ways, bringing together the best of in‑person and digital experiences,” SkyCity CEO Jason Walbridge said.
“While we aim to lead this change, our priority is ensuring our customers and communities are protected.”
The comments follow New Zealand’s decision to issue 15 licences for regulated online casino operations, the first legal framework of its kind in the country. While licences will be issued by the Department of Internal Affairs, applicants must meet high standards around consumer protection, anti-money laundering compliance, and responsible gambling.
SkyCity, which already operates a Malta-based online casino for overseas markets, has now given its strongest indication yet that it intends to pursue one of these domestic licences.
“Any move into a regulated online market would be built on strong consumer safeguards and SkyCity’s enduring commitment to responsible gambling,” Walbridge said.
