New Zealand's High Court in Auckland has accepted three separate class-action proceedings against Bet365, Super Group, and Skycity Entertainment Group, alleging these offshore operators unlawfully provided online gambling services to New Zealand residents. The coordinated legal action, which has not yet been formally consolidated, is the largest of its kind in the country and is being watched closely by the global gambling industry.
Claims and Defendants
The lawsuits are brought under a combination of New Zealand statutes. An interim name suppression order protects the plaintiffs. The Skycity claim targets Skycity Entertainment Group, Skycity Auckland Holdings Limited, and Malta-based Silvereye Entertainment Limited—a subsidiary of Gaming Innovation Group operating the Skycity Online casino under a Malta Gaming Authority license. The claim seeks leave to proceed as a funded class action covering player losses from February 2020 to February 2026. BusinessDesk reports the potential exposure could be at least NZ$64.5 million in online revenue alone. Skycity has publicly denied liability and vowed to defend itself.
Against Bet365, the plaintiffs name Hillside (Gaming) ENC, Hillside (Sports), and CEO Denise Coates as defendants. Bet365 has formally objected to New Zealand court jurisdiction, arguing the case should be heard elsewhere. Against Super Group, the claim names CEO Neal Menashe personally, plus corporate entities Bayton, DigiMedia, Digamma, GM Gaming, Baytree Alderney, and Baytree Interactive. Super Group operates Betway and Spin, along with the New Zealand-focused Kiwi's Treasure online casino.
Legal and Regulatory Context
The lawsuits follow significant changes to New Zealand gambling law. The Racing Industry Act 2020 was amended in June 2025 to make it illegal for offshore operators (except TAB NZ) to accept racing or sports bets from residents. The Online Casino Gambling Bill, effective May 1, 2026, will ban online casino advertising and establish a licensing framework for up to 15 operators. Unlicensed providers must exit the market by December 1, 2026. All three defendants have expressed interest in applying for New Zealand licenses, creating a unique situation where they face historical liability while seeking regulated access.
The Bet365 jurisdictional challenge is particularly significant. If the court rules in favor of New Zealand jurisdiction, it could set a precedent for similar claims globally. The case also structurally parallels a recent ruling by the Court of Justice of the European Union, which held that Malta-licensed operators cannot rely on home-jurisdiction authorization to defeat civil restitution claims from players in EU states where their activity was prohibited. Although the ECJ ruling is only binding in Europe, it provides persuasive authority for New Zealand courts.
Market Implications
The coordinated nature of the three proceedings signals a tougher stance by New Zealand authorities against offshore gambling. Legal experts believe that if the plaintiffs succeed, it could trigger a wave of similar class actions in other jurisdictions, particularly against Malta-licensed platforms. The outcome will also influence the upcoming license auction, as operators with unresolved historical liabilities may face greater scrutiny. The next court hearing is expected within months.