GiG to launch in New Zealand through SKYCITY online casino

Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) will run online casino gambling in New Zealand after striking a deal with publicly-listed leisure giant SKYCITY Entertainment Group.

The long-term agreement will see GiG launch and power SKYCITY’s NZ-facing online casino site from Malta, where the brand will also be licensed.

GiG said it expects the market to regulate online casino ‘in the foreseeable future’.

GiG is planning to launch the online casino site in Q3 2019 and expects the partnership to make a positive impact on revenues from 2020 onwards.

SKYCITY is a listed firm in NZ and Australia and is reportedly NZ’s largest tourism, leisure and entertainment company with casinos in both countries.

GiG CEO Robin Reed

GiG CEO Robin Reed said: “I am delighted that GiG is partnering with SKYCITY, we share the same high standards and ambitions for a safe, responsible and entertaining gaming experience for the end users.

“With this landmark deal, we are also entering a completely new continent where we can build on our ambition as the global partner for strong brands in egaming.

“We look forward to supporting SKYCITY in its expansion into the online space, where our full suite of products and solutions all form part of a very competitive offering to its online customers.

“New Zealand is preparing for the regulation of online casino gambling and we are there to support our partner further when it happens,” he added.

There are currently six land-based casinos operating in NZ, four of which are owned by SKYCITY.