GiG launches New Zealand-facing online casino with SkyCity
Gaming Innovation Group (GiG) has linked up with SkyCity Malta, a subsidiary of New Zealand-based SkyCity Entertainment Group, to roll out a new online casino brand in the country.
The launch follows confirmation of the initial agreement in May, under which GiG will provide a turnkey and fully managed online casino solution to run the website.
This solution includes a technical platform, fully managed services, gaming content, front-end development, CRM, compliance and marketing. GiG will operate the new site from Malta on behalf of SkyCity.
GiG, which has been working with SkyCity as a Tier-1 partner for a number of years, expects the launch to make a significant positive contribution to revenue from 2020 onwards.
“This is an exciting day for SkyCity and one we have been working towards for some time alongside SkyCity Malta and our partner GiG,” SkyCity chief executive Graeme Stephens said.
“While ultimately a regulated online gaming market remains the preferred solution, the site launch is another step on our journey of pursuing opportunities to grow and diversify our earnings, addressing a new, fast growing industry which is highly complementary to our land-based activities and offering customers a multi-channel gaming experience.”
GiG chief executive Robin Reed added: “GiG is pursuing a strategy of becoming the global partner for strong brands in iGaming. SkyCity Entertainment Group is the largest and most reputable leisure and gambling firm in New Zealand.
“We are very proud to have been entrusted to provide our full suite of gaming services to them. It has been great to work with Graeme and his accomplished team and due to a great collaboration we have managed to launch a state-of-the art digital casino experience only two months after signing the agreement.”
The new launch comes after the New Zealand government last week commenced a public consultation to gauge public support for regulating new forms of online gambling.
At present, Lotto NZ and the TAB are the only operators permitted to offer gambling products online, though the government acknowledged that an increasing number of New Zealanders were gambling via offshore providers.
Interested parties are invited to submit comments to the Department of Internal Affairs’ Online Gambling Team by September 30.
Image: Nick Kean