New Zealand considers ban on online gambling with credit cards

The New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs’ decision was prompted by SkyCity's online gambling platform, since they fear gambling harm among Kiwis will increase as more people turn to the trusted brand to feed their addiction.

Under current law, only government-owned Lotto and the TAB are allowed to offer internet gambling from within New Zealand.

The local casino operator SkyCity Entertainment Group is preparing to make its first foray into the online gaming space.

But the SkyCity Entertainment Group's circumventing the law by operating out of Malta, NewsTalk ZB reports.

Problem Gambling Foundation spokesperson Andree Froude told Mike Hosking it's risky business.

"One of the risks of it is that you can sit in your lounge and you can gamble and no one can ever know. It can be a very hidden problem, not like alcohol or drug where people can see the signs or symptoms."

She says  Sky City's platform is circumventing the law by operating out of Malta.

"It is likely that people will gamble on the sites because they know the brand and they need to make sure they have good host responsibility measures in place as well to protect people."

The Department of Internal Affairs, which regulates gambling in New Zealand, is reviewing the laws and looking into banning the use of credit cards.