Largest illegal online lottery discovered: NZ man charged for offering high-end cars, boats and houses as prizes

Lotteries are one of the most popular types of games at New Zealand online casinos, however, they are very strictly regulated under New Zealand gambling law.  This did not stop one audacious rule-breaker to try and bypass these laws by running what has been described by the country’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA)  as “the largest illegal lottery”, offering jaw-dropping prizes like luxury cars, boats, caravans, cash and even free-hold houses as prizes. 

The NZ Herald reported how the man, who hails from Christchurch, was identified by law enforcers as being the brains behind the online operation run by his company, which had successfully generated over $11.1 million in just over a year. He has now been arraigned in front of Christchurch District Court and charged with “conducting illegal gambling, promoting illegal gambling, and making a pecuniary gain from illegal gambling”. 

The DIA statement confirmed the amount of revenue generated to be in the region of $11,125,466.65, making it the largest illegal lottery ever identified in New Zealand. 

Investigation by the DIA

The case attracted significant media attention because all real-money online casino NZ sites require a Class 3 gambling license to run lotteries. Moreover, under the Gambling Act 2003, lottery prizes over the value of $5,000 can only be offered by not-for-profit organizations for authorized purposes – which certainly was not the case here. 

Following their investigation, the DIA referred their findings to the police who wasted no time in arraigning the man, besides also charging the company through which the illegal lottery platform had been operating. 

Speaking about the upcoming court proceedings, DIA gambling director Vicki Scott was quoted by Scoop.com.nz as saying: “Our strict licensing requirements are there for a reason. We will not hesitate to respond firmly when we see instances of illegal gambling such as unlicensed online lotteries… We have no tolerance for those who seek to profit by bypassing the rules.” 

The Gambling Act 2003 specifically prohibits selling lottery tickets on the internet. Only the Lotteries Commission the Racing Board and lottery operators in possession of a License Class 3 are allowed to provide such services, which fall under the definition of ‘remote interactive gambling’. And even when NZ online casinos hold a License Class 3, this is considered a one-off permission for that specific lottery and any subsequent lotteries will require a separate license application. 

Alternatives to NZ online lottery

We’ve already established that New Zealand organizations can’t offer online lottery services without a Class 3 license, and sadly that license is far from easy to obtain. Does this mean that Kiwi players who enjoy the thrill of a good lottery are left high and dry? Not at all. The best NZ online casinos offer some excellent – and, most importantly, totally legal – alternatives. One of the biggest attractions of such lotteries is that you can play anytime and from anywhere, and you can dream of winning a huge prize in exchange for very little money. 

This is exactly what a $1 deposit New Zealand casinos offers – the possibility of instant wins without having to spend a lot of money. And don’t be fooled. Just because the ‘entry’ cost is a mere $1, it doesn’t mean that the prizes that are up for grabs are also paltry, on the contrary.  

Let’s take a look at what you can expect when signing up for the top online casinos NZ. Most of these sites offer instant games and lottery scratch cards, which are as near to the lottery experience as you can get. The idea is simple: all you need to do is register to your preferred site by following the links from Minimum Deposit Casinos NZ and make your first deposit of $1.   

This will open the door to way more options and possibilities than you’d get with a straightforward state lottery, all of it legit and with the guarantee that your rights are 100% legally protected. Let’s take a look at the full experience you can enjoy at the top online casinos NZ. 

Generous bonuses for less than the cost of a cuppa – When you make your first deposit you’re not only in with the chance of winning at the scratchies and other instant games. You will also receive a lucrative welcome sign-up package that includes either bonus cash, free spins, or even a mix of both. You will be able to use these on a variety of pokies, effectively increasing your winning options. 

Regular tournaments with huge prize pools – It doesn’t stop with the welcome bonus. The majority of NZ online casinos also offer weekly prizes, leaderboards, tournaments and even their own version of a lottery. The best part? Taking part is not illegal for Kiwi players, and prizes are often massive as many operators team up with popular software providers to put large prize pools and even physical prizes like cruises, cars and holidays. 

A large choice of casino games – When playing at a real money online casino NZ you’re not obliged to stick to one kind of game. Sure, we love instant games and lottery scratch cards, but we also love variety because it keeps us from getting bored. This is where licensed gambling sites shine, because you may think it’s all about the pokies but it really isn’t. You’ve got jackpots, scratchies, crash games, dice, bingo, plinko, poker, roulette, game shows, live dealer tables… Basically, you may start off with the lottery cards, but you can keep on playing whatever you prefer with your deposit.  

Full mobile accessibility – As we explained earlier, one of the biggest attractions of an online lottery is that you can play it from anywhere. Most NZ players enjoy playing games when they’re away from their desktop, such as on their morning commute, while waiting for TV commercials to end or even while queuing at the corner store. NZ online casinos nowadays are all easily accessible from any mobile device. This means that whether you’re playing from your iPhone, your Android or even an iPad or a tablet, you can still get to enjoy your favourite lottery and instant games. 

Trustworthy responsible gambling tools – Player safety is very highly regarded at the top online casinos NZ. Licensed casinos are required to provide a comprehensive array of tools that will help players who are facing issues to protect themselves. Some sites showcase a safe gambling quiz, with questions tailored to help you figure out whether your gambling habits are healthy or whether you need to take steps to keep it under control.  

They also offer links to responsible gambling organizations that will offer counselling and support to help you get back on track. That’s not all – you will also be able to make use of various tools to make sure you don’t slip up. We’re talking deposit, bet, loss limits and even limits on your on-screen time.  

The writing’s on the wall – it’s certainly not worth the risk to take part in illegal online lotteries, no matter how thrilling the prizes may be. You will almost certainly get caught and, even if you don’t, remember that there’s no one fighting for your rights and there’s certainly no guarantee of platform security, or even player protection.  

The top online casinos in NZ, on the other hand, offer the best of all worlds – super games, excellent bonuses, unending thrills and the peace of mind of knowing that your rights are protected by law. The perfect recipe!

By Ramona Depares

Affordability Checks for UK gamblers who lose more than £500 a month

By Ginevra Alessandrello  

The UK Government white paper, released recently, has unveiled several reform proposals at online casinos in the UK, notably the introduction of affordability checks. 

In these new rules which take effect on August 30^th 2024, online gamblers who lose £500 or more monthly on real-money gambling games will face extra affordability checks.  

As part of a comprehensive move to safeguard the most at-risk customers at top-rated UK online casinos, the national government has announced additional verifications for online gamblers who lose £500 or more monthly. Then, in February 2025, the eligibility threshold for these checks will be lowered to £150 in monthly online betting losses. 

The government’s outlined plans propose two tiers of checks. 

Tier 1 involves testing financial vulnerability through “unintrusive” checks triggered when a gambler reaches a net loss of £125 within a rolling 30-day period or £500 within a rolling 365-day period.  

Approximately 20% of customer accounts are expected to undergo these checks, which utilize publicly available data to identify issues such as bankruptcy orders or unpaid debts.  

Tier 2 assesses financial risk using credit reference data triggered by losses exceeding £1,000 within 24 hours or £2,000 within 90 days.  

Enhanced assessments for those aged 18 to 24 have lower triggers. However, if a credit reference agency cannot provide sufficient information, operators would request data from customers via open banking or documentation. At this level, checks could occur up to twice a year. 

The Gambling Commission consultation offers more detailed insights into the potential implementation of affordability checks than the white paper did. Financial risk checks would not consider winnings beyond the previous seven days for the £1,000 trigger or the last 90 days before the £2,000 trigger under the proposed consultation.  

This means that even if someone had £5,000 in their account following a significant win two weeks before an event like the Cheltenham Festival, they would still undergo a check if they lost £1,000 on the first day of the festival. 

Chief executive officer of the Gambling Commission, Andrew Rhodes, said that it had to get the balance right between protecting people from gambling-related harm while at the same time respecting the freedom of adults to play real money online gambling games without experiencing harm. 

He stated: “As regulators in the gambling industry, our rule changes must be grounded in evidence and consider the feedback from consumers and other stakeholders. We have carefully considered the input we received during consultations and engagements, incorporating changes to ensure robust protections while preserving consumer freedoms.” 

Rhodes also highlighted the commencement of a pilot program for financial risk assessments and data collection. This initiative aims to facilitate informed decision-making regarding implementing such assessments and effectively balancing consumer freedom with protective measures. 

He stressed the need to strike a balance between safeguarding individuals from gambling-related harm and respecting the autonomy of adults to participate in gambling responsibly, acknowledging that the majority engage in this activity without adverse effects. 

Why have these affordability checks been introduced

These affordability checks have been introduced to address the potential harm caused by excessive online gambling at the best online casinos in the UK. Governing bodies aim to protect vulnerable gamblers from financial harm and lessen the risks associated with problem gambling so that players don’t gamble beyond their means. 

Online gambling is considered risky as it allows users to wager large sums of money at any time of the day or night without considering the financial complications that can arise. This is causing some players to lose all their money, which leads to other negative consequences. 

Accessing an online gambling platform is too easy, and along with aggressive marketing tactics by iGaming suppliers, players who suffer from the potential of gambling addiction don’t stand a chance. This is why authorities decided to lower the threshold for these checks. 

Starting in August, operators will utilize openly accessible information to pinpoint customers potentially facing financial vulnerability, such as those under bankruptcy orders or with records of outstanding debts, while refraining from incorporating details like a customer’s postcode or job title.  

Leveraging this data, gambling companies may prompt customers identified as susceptible to harm to establish a deposit cap. In severe instances, they might restrict the amount customers spend or opt to close their accounts altogether. 

Starting January 17^th 2025, the best UK online casinos and poker platforms will no longer be permitted to offer certain features that create a false sense of control for players, such as “turbo” and “slam stops”. Also, autoplay and any sounds or visuals celebrating winnings equal to or less than the initial bet will be prohibited. It’s worth noting that some of these features have been voluntarily restricted since 2021. 

Regulators and gambling operators can provide support and assistance, including responsible gambling tools, to those who need protection. 

The regulator also introduces a pilot for financial assessments

The regulator has unveiled plans for a trial run of financial evaluations targeting customers at risk of facing substantial losses within a short timeframe. These evaluations are designed to mitigate instances of swift financial depletion.  

This is exemplified by scenarios such as a betting company permitting a customer to spend £245,000 in three months despite being aware that the customer’s income as an NHS nurse was £30,000 per annum. Another case involved a customer losing £70,000 within 10 hours after creating the account. 

These assessments aim to cut down rapid financial loss through a trial program that checks how much people can afford to spend on real money slots and online gambling games. The object is to stop people from losing lots of money too quickly when they gamble online. 

In these checks, authorities are aiming to keep online gambling healthy without getting into money trouble so that people who might need help with their gambling habits can get it. 

Starting in August, operators will utilize openly accessible data to pinpoint customers potentially facing financial vulnerability, such as individuals under bankruptcy orders or with a track record of outstanding debts.  

However, they avoid using sensitive information like a customer’s postcode or job title. Leveraging this data, gambling firms can prompt customers identified as at-risk to establish deposit limits or, in severe instances, restrict their spending or even terminate their accounts altogether. 

Carolyn Harris, Labour MP, said protecting people who might lose a lot of money quickly when they gamble is essential. She feels the checks are a good start to keep casino players and sports bettors safe from the harmful effects of gambling too much. 

Labour MP Carolyn Harris commented on introducing these financial assessments, stating, “We must have measures in place to protect vulnerable gamblers from experiencing rapid financial loss, and these financial assessments are a step in the right direction.” This statement underscores the importance of implementing proactive measures to safeguard vulnerable individuals from the detrimental effects of problem gambling. 

With a solid 20-year foundation, Gaming Club Casino is King in the online gaming space

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One of the reasons why Gaming Club has managed to survive for so long in the highly competitive industry and built a strong reputation is because of its dedication towards all players. The priority has always been about player safety in the online space and the casino has gone to great lengths to ensure that all players are treated fairly, and their private data are secured.

Gaming Club Casino’s black and lime green colours are well-known in the gaming space and its website design follows suit, with a black background and lime green hues giving it an aesthetic appeal without appearing too flashy or bold. Both new and existing players will have no issues using the site, which is user-friendly and easy to navigate. Various banners and tabs help players find what they are looking for and helpful support agents are ready to answer all players’ queries.

Your gaming library is on point if you have a solid 20-year foundation in the online gaming space. One of the hallmarks of Gaming Club is its casino games and there are over 500 exciting games – both demo games and real money games. Whether you fancy slots, card games or live games, Gaming Club has everything to keep players entertained and more importantly – satisfied. Today, most online casinos have thousands of casino games but here, Gaming Club believes it’s all about quality over quantity and their 500+ casino games are all top-rated. Players should not worry about the fairness of casino games as it utilizes a Random Number Generator – which ensures the fairness of all its casino games. The casino games are powered by leading software providers such as Microgaming, Evolution Gaming, Pragmatic Play, No Limit City and Yggdrasil Gaming.

The slots contribute the biggest share of games at Gaming Club and there are 250+ dynamic slot titles. These slot games have reasonable Rate to Player (RTP) percentages – most games are around 90-96% RTP. All the best slot genres are available including Megaways, bonus buy features and progressive jackpot games. Some of the best slot titles include Mega Moolah, Immortal Romance, Tomb Raider, Hitman, Treasure Nile and Girls with Guns.

Another popular feature is the table games. Card lovers are in for a treat as various Blackjack, Poker, Roulette, Craps and Baccarat game variants exist. Players can play with a small bankroll or if you are a high-roller, plenty of table games meet your wagering requirements. The most played table games include Punto Banco, American Blackjack, European Roulette, Double Ball Roulette and Ultimate Texas Hold’Em Poker.

Any casino worth its salt will have a live product for players and the Gaming Club live casino is one of the best in the industry. A live casino is critical to any successful online casino as this is the closest thing to a real casino experience. With a live casino, players can interact with live dealers and other players and enjoy realistic gameplay from a live casino table. Evolution Gaming powers this and popular live dealer games include Blackjack Live, Roulette Live and Baccarat Live.

Gaming Club provides players with various ways to play their favourite casino games and besides playing via the desktop site, the leading platform is mobile. In today’s hustle and bustle world, everyone is pressed for time and are looking for convenience. The best way to provide convenience in the casino industry is through the mobile casino. The Gaming Club’s mobile casino allows players to play anywhere and at any time. It is compatible with most devices and operating systems. A stand-alone mobile app is also available, which is available for IOS and Android users.

Another reason for the popularity of Gaming Club is its banking platform. With players from across the globe and various currencies, this platform is digitally secured and encrypted. Players can make deposits and request withdrawals at the touch of a button and with ease of mind knowing their private data are kept safe at all times. Gaming Club is a $/€10 minimum deposit casino and players are not charged for any deposits. Some payment methods include Visa, Mastercard, Skrill, Neteller and Bank Transfers. Gaming Club is renowned for its high withdrawal limits and players can make withdrawals for any amount and access the cashier portal to find the latest limits at the casino.

Okay, now that you have learnt more about this casino and its features, it’s time to delve into one of the best benefits – the welcome bonus for all new players. Below we are doing a deep dive into the welcome bonus offer including the wagering terms and the advantages and disadvantages of the current bonus offer.

Current bonus offer for $10 at Gaming Club Casino

What is an online casino without a welcome bonus? All online casinos should offer new players an exclusive welcome bonus as this is the best way to entice players to create an account. Gaming Club has a welcome package for all new global players and the multi-deposit welcome bonus offer can be triggered from only $/€10. Below is a breakdown of the welcome package at Gaming Club:

Gaming Club Casino: 250% match bonus of up to $/€350

• First deposit bonus – 100% match bonus of up to $/€200
• Second deposit bonus – 150% match bonus of up to $/€150

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New players who create an account at the casino have seven days to trigger the welcome package. Players should download the Gaming Club casino software to claim the welcome package once they have successfully created their account. With a minimum deposit of $/€10, new players can claim the first deposit match bonus of up to $/€200. The welcome bonus offer has 50x wagering requirements and players can play most casino games to meet all wagering terms. Once players have successfully met the first welcome bonus offer’s wagering requirements, they can claim the second and final offer. With another $/€10 minimum deposit, new players can claim a second deposit match bonus of up to $/€150. This bonus offer also has 50x wagering requirements. The maximum winnings on the welcome package are capped at 6x the value of new players’ first deposit at the casino.

Advantages of Gaming Club welcome bonus

• Multi-deposit welcome package
• 100% first deposit match bonus up to $/€200
• 150% second deposit match bonus up to $/€150
• The welcome bonus can be triggered from $/€10
• Players can play various casino games to meet wagering requirements

Disadvantages of Gaming Club welcome bonus

• 50x wagering requirements on the welcome bonus
• The maximum winnings are capped at 6x; the first deposit amount

Other Bonuses and Promotions

Taking care of existing players is as important as luring in new players and Gaming Club knows how to take care of its long-time players. The casino has plenty of enticing bonuses and promotions for players ranging from deposit matches to free spin bonuses, progressive slot tournaments and prize giveaways. There are daily, weekly and monthly promotions and players should frequently visit the promotions tab to find the latest active bonuses and promotions at the casino.

In addition to the amazing bonuses and promotions, Gaming Club also has their own loyalty program for all players. For every wager at the casino, players earn loyalty points which can be converted into bonus credits. Gaming Club will give all new players 2,500 loyalty points to create an account and make a first deposit.

VIP players and high-rollers have their own lucrative program. VIP rewards far exceed standard loyalty rewards and include free spins, deposit bonuses, exclusive offers and personal assistance from a VIP manager.

How to Sign up

Now that you have learnt more about Gaming Club and its features, you must be itching to access the site and create an account. We are here to help our readers further and have provided a detailed step-by-step guide on signing up and playing at the casino. Gaming Club has made signing up at the casino straightforward and instead of unnecessary multiple pages of registration jargon, new players can create an account on one registration page. Keep reading as we break down how to create an account at Gaming Club: 

• Step 1: Access the Gaming Club Casino website and click the lime green ‘Sign up’ button.
• Step 2: Select your country, and create a username and password for your casino account.
• Step 3: Enter your email address and mobile number.
• Step 4: Enter your personal information, such as your full name, date of birth and gender.
• Step 5: Enter your physical address and select your chosen currency.
• Step 6: Read and accept the terms and conditions, check that you are 18+ and click to receive the welcome bonus and whether to enable SMS and Email promotional offers. 

As chosen by you: Why UK players choose Ladbrokes and Amber spins

Through our reviews of the top UK online casinos, players gain the power of knowledge in Great Britain to base their choices on current, accurate information that highlights benefits and drawbacks. After reviewing regulated and licensed sites we compare the best to identify an unsurpassed experience for you. In monitoring your actions since the beginning of 2024, we are proud to announce the best £5 UK deposit casinos based on your choices.

As always, player input is valued at Minimum Deposit Casinos as we consistently strive to guide users from the UK towards online sites that value loyalty and present the best conditions for members. Join us as we explore the UK’s most favoured online and mobile casinos to discover why these are the ultimate choices for this year.

Ladbrokes – the UK’s favourite casino in 2024

With its roots dating back to 1886, the Ladbrokes brand has grown steadily over the decades to become a superior market leader in the online casino world. It made its entry in Belgium, Ireland and UK betting shops many years ago and today it holds licenses in 27 jurisdictions and employs over 27,000 fixed-term contractors and full-time employees.

As a premier online casino and one of UK’s favourites, Ladbrokes is a popular choice for bingo, poker, live casino, slots, and sports betting in the UK. It is operated by LC International Limited and licensed by the UK Gambling Commission. One of the main reasons behind their impressive growth lies in their wide variety of convenient, trustworthy payment methods, and their 24/7 simple access to a secure and enjoyable gaming experience.

Applying their knowledge gained from a wealth of experience, Ladbrokes Casino presents players from the UK with the entertainment they hold dear with over 1,800 slots, slingo, scratchcards, and bingo games, to live casino games, jackpots, exclusives, and classic table games. In partnering with the best, Ladbrokes features games by Barcrest, Pragmatic Play, Red Tiger, Evolution Gaming, Yggdrasil, NetEnt, IGT, and many other incredible game designers.

Being part of the massive Entain Group provides access to several advantages. One of them is that Ladbrokes has direct access to one of the largest sportsbook aggregators in the UK. This means not only does Ladbrokes membership provide free time at one of the country’s finest online casinos but it can also instantly place online bets on any event in any sporting market while being legally covered by sportsbooks in the UK.

Ladbrokes 2024 UK casino bonus

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Newcomers get to test out the enjoyment of the Ladbrokes Casino experience and can take advantage of the deposit £5 to play with $25. To claim the bonus (reserved for new players only), users would need to be over the age of 18. You can register with Ladbrokes and deposit £5 and once the account is verified and approved, you can get in on all the action. It’s a great opportunity to try your hand at bingo and to maximise your returns with the lowest wagering of only 2x the bonus. The welcome bonus needs to be claimed within 14 days of registration and remains active for 30 days. Terms and conditions apply. The astonishing range of promotions available to existing members includes bonus spins, game show contests, and tournaments.

Amber Spins – The UK’s most loved £5 casino

Most loved by players for their great selection of over 500 high quality games, Amber Spins is one of the top UK online casinos featuring some of the most popular titles. Mobile and desktop players are spoilt for choice as it hosts games by over 30 different software developers including Thunderkick, Microgaming, NetEnt, Yggdrasil Gaming.

Powered by Dragonfish and operated by Grand Battery Holdings Limited, Amber Spins is all for fun and strongly supports responsible gambling.

Fast and secure payment methods include e-wallets, debit cards, wire transfers and more which ensures convenient transactions. The minimum deposit at this new online casino – launched in 2021 – is just £5. Transactions are free of charge and withdrawals are processed within 48 hours. Praised for putting player-interest first, Amber Spins Casino is approved and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission and uses the latest technology to ensure a safe and secure experience.

Amber Spins 2024 £5 deposit bonus

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Claiming the 100% bonus and 50 bonus spins for a £5 minimum deposit presents new players with the perfect opportunity to test and try the real money Amber Spins Casino experience. Newbies need to be over the age of 18 when registering and reside in the UK. The maximum bonus amount is £30 and is subject to wagering requirements of 60x. This is capped at a maximum payout of £100. The free spins can be enjoyed on any game of your choice and winnings are subject to 40x wagering requirements. Bonus terms and conditions and withdrawal terms apply.

20Bet has 2024s most popular £5 casino bonus

Voted as the most popular $5 minimum deposit casino, 20Bet Casino impresses with spectacular gaming quality, superb 24/7 player support services, and offers a world-class banking experience. Managed by TechSolutions Group Limited, 20Bet is regulated and licensed by the Kahnawake Gaming Commission and certified as a Google-secured site.

Catering to all, players can enjoy a remarkable desktop and mobile experience via their browser or download the free app to enjoy more than 3,000 game choices. The huge selection of games includes enjoyed titles by NetEnt, Playson, Habanero, Games Global, PG Soft, and Red Tiger Gaming.

20Bet is one of the best fast payout casinos with withdrawals from e-wallets processed within 12 hours, while debit cards and cryptocurrencies take less than 24 hours. The 20Bet Casino games library features a fantastic range of hot new games, slots, and live events including live roulette, live game shows, live roulette, and live blackjack. Excellent payment choices include Bitcoin, Litecoins, EcoPayz, Visa, Neteller, and Visa.

Find more trusted UK casinos with our reviews

Our £5 minimum deposit page features all the top UK online casinos offering incredible offers available to new players without having to invest a large sum of money. Our £5 casino reviews offer an insightful look at the leading UKGC-licensed sites offering fantastic minimum deposit deals, along with terms and conditions, game variety, security, fair gaming, and payment options.

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Kiwi influencer wins $1 million online, betting 10 cents on each of his followers

By Ramona Depares

How do you successfully increase your followers on Instagram with zero advertising and 100% organic reach? By hitting the top online casinos NZ and scoring a $1 million jackpot, of course!

Kiwi influencer Tim Naki – born Tim Myers – embarked on a blackjack challenge in an attempt to push up his numbers on the popular social media platform. The gimmick? Starting out with 15,000 followers, he committed to bet 10 cents on each one of them every day, to an initial total of $1,500.

In a move that surprised those who followed him, the gambling influencer, who specializes in sports betting and horse racing, this time opted to try his luck at NZ online casinos rather than sportsbooks.

When the $1,500 turned into $1 million, the online community was stunned. Tim Naki’s game of choice turned out to be a lucky one, as he proceeded to embark on a 90-day gambling stint that would eventually see him walk away a millionaire.

The question begs itself – will we see Tim do a 180 degree turn from horses to blackjack? Could be, especially as the young influencer has now self-styled as ‘the blackjack entrepreneur’. Moreover, his Instagram account reveals plans to take this blackjack adventure forward in the future, so it’s just possible that this was not a one-off.

Tim Naki’s winning strategy

So how did Tim Naki land on his million dollar jackpot? While many NZ online casinos offer the potential, very few players actually succeed in this quest. Tim appears to be using a variation of the Martingale strategy, albeit unplanned. The strategy dictates that players should continue doubling their bet no matter what happens, and tends to be favored by high-rollers on the blackjack and roulette tables.

It’s not without its pitfalls, of course. A few losses at the start can easily see you run out of bankroll before you’ve even had a chance to get to the higher levels. In Tim’s case, his commitment was to place a 10 cents bet for every IG follower every day. As those numbers climbed to the sky, so did his bets.

Turning his $1,500 into a million took a total of 90 days, with Tim playing religiously every day. Although many questioned how long he could last, given the fact his bets increased heavily on the daily, he managed to run into considerable luck by securing a staggering 7 wins out of 10 hands in the early stages. Without these wins, Tim could very easily have found himself with $0 in the bank and no more bets to place.

However, his ploy worked and his followers’ count continued to rise in parallel with the size of the bets. The Courier Mail reports how, by Day 50 he had reached 320,000 followers, translating into a daily bet of $32,000 per day on one hand.

By mid-April he had reached 810,000 followers, which meant an $81,000 bet. And by May, he was well into the six figures, telling Forbes AU that: “the blackjack gods were on my side”. Of course, one could argue that while luck played a considerable role, Tim had chosen his game wisely by opting for blackjack rather than, say, pokies.

Blackjack tables at a top paying online casino NZ typically come with a 0.5% house edge, making the game one of the most potentially lucrative for players. When you do the math, this translates into a 49.5% chance of success for the player, with the house winning 50.5% of the time. In casino language, these are some pretty good odds.

The statistics worked in Tim’s favor during the first 7 bets, so that by the time he started losing he had already strengthened his bankroll considerably. As soon as he hit $971,000 in profit, he started planning an exit strategy upon reaching the $1 million mark. However, part of him wanted to pass the 100 day benchmark.

But it was not to be. Lady Luck decided to start smiling in the other direction and, with no warning, Tim watched his million being eaten away one loss at a time. The final day, Day 90, saw him put down a $195,000 bet. He lost. In the previous 7 days, his losses totalled $565,000.

It was at this point that Tim decided to call it quits instead of attempting to recover his $1 million, telling his followers that there would be no Day 91 of blackjack. In the end, he walked away with $500,000 of profit. Not bad for 90 days’ work.

He described his win – massive, regardless of everything – as a “statistical anomaly” when speaking to Forbes. He also took the opportunity to say a few words about responsible gambling, telling the journalist:

“It’s almost a good thing for people watching to understand just how quickly things change with gambling. You do it for entertainment and fun. You should never do it to make money because you won’t make money. “A lot of people forget [gambling] is just meant to be fun. I was taught that from a very young age. Don’t expect to win and don’t expect it to spit anything out the other end.”

He has taken care to repeat this message even to other media houses, telling the Courier Mail: “There’s no secret to winning, but there is a secret to not losing and that is just don’t bloody gamble,” before adding: “Taking that hiding at the end was a stark reality check for myself and also for all the followers.It’s certainly not something anyone should try and replicate. I went into each day knowing fully well that with the law of averages, there was going to have to start being some losses more than likely.”

Background of Tim Naki

Tim grew up in a horseracing family, with his grandad and uncles training as jockeys and his father even living in Australia for a full year in hopes of making it as a full-time jockey. This fostered his strong love of horse racing, so much so that he revealed to Punter of the Week that he actually owns a part share in a mare called Sneaky Sunrise.

And for those who wonder whether online blackjack will replace this love, the answer appears to be a strong ‘no’, as his reply to Punter of the Week revealed: “You can’t beat that feeling of winning [at horseracing] as an owner too. This will sound controversial because of the blackjack run I went on, but seeing my horse win at Flemington trumped that feeling. That thrill is just second to none.”

Tim will now be taking a short break from blackjack before he kicks off another Monday to Friday series with lower stakes. Any free time is likely to be taken up planning his December wedding – undoubtedly, his $500,000 win is sure to come in handy when planning his new life.

SkyCity Settles NZ Casino Debacle with NZ$4.16m Agreement 

Global gambling giant SkyCity Entertainment has signed a landmark settlement agreement in New Zealand, after years of fighting gambling compliance issues. The civil penalty was to the tune of NZ$4.16 million. SkyCity Entertainment – well-known as a top-paying online casino in NZ - signed the agreement with the country’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) and found there was zero evidence that the operator was involved in any money laundering when it came to its NZ online casinos.

The department’s, Mike Stone told reporters: “We have received the desired result without the extended duration and cost of court proceedings. While we consider these regulatory breaches to be serious, we are pleased that SkyCity was able to admit the breaches and acknowledged responsibility for what were significant failings.”

SkyCity executive chair Julian Cook apologised saying: “Over the past few years, considerable progress has been made towards upgrading our anti-money laundering and countering terrorism financing systems. This does not lessen the seriousness with which we take these breaches and we are disappointed that SkyCity is in this position.” 

The casino giant has been at the forefront of civil penalties with regard to its NZ online casinos over responsible gambling practices. 

The alleged non-compliance relates to social responsibility concerns and contravention of  anti-money laundering (AML) protocols. 

In 2019, the casino’s Auckland branch is alleged to have flouted AML laws by not appropriately managing and monitoring risks with gamblers. This resulted in various inquiries and probes into SkyCity and its procedures. Now, in 2024, a settlement agreement in this matter has finally been reached. 

SkyCity’s Long-standing Issues in NZ 

SkyCity has for the last few years made many headlines. One particular case involved responsible gambling laws that were allegedly breached in New Zealand. The Group operates five casino properties in New Zealand and Australia, including SkyCity Casino – the casino in question. News emerged in 2023 that it could lose its gambling license the alleged rule breach.

This came after a complaint was made by a former Auckland gambler who played at the casino from August 2017 until February 2021. He complained that SkyCity Online Casino violated its responsible gambling rules by allowing him to continue gambling, even though he had accumulated a massive debt.

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The responsible gambling policy dictates that when NZ online casino players gamble for five hours or more without stopping, the casino’s staff should be alerted, and the gambler should be monitored. 

The DIA’s General Manager of Regulatory Services, John Sneyd, commented that according to the New Zealand Gambling Act 2003, SkyCity failed to comply with the terms outlined in its license. 

He emphasized their strong commitment to minimizing the negative impact of gambling and highlighted that they had an unwavering stance towards enforcing penalties on licensed gambling operators that fail to comply with responsible gambling laws. The DIA advised the Gambling Commission to suspend SkyCity’s licence for 10 days. The suspension applied to its  top NZ online casino and sportsbook. The news impacted the group strongly as SkyCity’s shares plummeted by around 18% towards the end of last year.

The Gambling Act 2003 in NZ 

In New Zealand, the Gambling Regulation Act 2003 is a law governing and regulating gambling. It is there to help ensure compliance and responsible gambling and it is aimed at reducing the harm caused by addiction.

In it, the rules for gambling in New Zealand are highlighted. It impacts many types of gambling including lotteries, keno, bingo, online casinos and online sportsbooks, which include minimum bet sportsbooks NZ. 

With regards to this, a SkyCity spokesperson has said the group was committed to maintaining the highest standards of responsible gambling. In keeping with this, it said it had always prioritized mitigating the risks involved with problem gambling. It has done this by investing heavily in responsible gambling tools and measures.

SkyCity Casino said it was dedicated to ensuring top quality, responsible gambling for players vulnerable to gambling addiction and preventing underage gambling. Kiwis who feel their gambling is becoming a problem can activate deposit limits, reality checks, timeouts, and self-exclusion. The casino also offers a self-assessment test that users can complete to gauge the health of their gambling behaviour. 

According to the Ministry of Health NZ, not all gamblers are problem gamblers. Instead, research shows that only two percent of adults in NZ are vulnerable to gambling addiction.

Background of SkyCity Entertainment in NZ 

SkyCity Online Casino NZ belongs to the SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited – NZ’s largest tourism, leisure and entertainment company. The group owns entertainment complexes in Auckland, Hamilton, and Queenstown in NZ, as well as Adelaide in Australia. Each casino resort features gambling, as well as premium restaurants and bars. SkyCity’s NZ Online Casino launched in August 2019 as an offshore online gaming business for Kiwis and was an extension of its land-based casino operations.

SkyCity Online Casino offers players from New Zealand over 1000 casino games including classic slots, multi-reel video slots, video Poker, progressive jackpot games, poker, blackjack, roulette and baccarat games, video poker, and live dealer casino games. The platform also offers virtual sports, allowing players to engage with realistic sports entertainment. 

In NZ, responsible gambling is regulated by the DIA, which is accountable for setting policies and ensuring compliance to promote responsible gambling practices. With a robust regulatory framework in place for the online gambling industry, all NZ licensed operators must adhere to strict rules including responsible gambling policies and player protection measures. 

If you feel that your gambling has gotten out of hand or you are struggling to control how much you spend online, please consult SkyCity’s Responsible Gambling pages and take back control. Set limits on how long you play, or self-exclude temporarily until you are on the road to recovery. SkyCity’s Responsible Gambling pages offer links to support groups, such as the Salvation Army Oasis, and protection tools, like CYBERsitter, a downloadable programme that helps parents implement the prevention of underage gambling. 

What $/€1 gets you in the real world vs online minimum deposit casinos

Have you ever thought about what $/€1 can actually buy you in the real world. Well, we set out on a fun shopping assignment in Canada, UK, and New Zealand to establish just this. In 2023, the global economy is struggling and based on experience, we can tell you that entertainment costs in non-casino industries are not cheap at all. Even a simple cinema ticket or go-karting would never cost $/€1.

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In Canada, $1 can get you 80 Free Spins at Jackpot City

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This is in fact a current offer by Jackpot City Casino. What it means is that new Canadian players who deposit $1 get 80 Free Spins to play the most exciting slots. And it’s super easy to claim. Head over to Jackpot City by following our link, and when you arrive at the cyber casino, register a new account and make the deposit. Then you will get the bonus to play at Wacky Panda, Microgaming’s lovable panda-themed slot machine. With a cartoon feel, happy music and an endless supply of great winning potential, Wacky Panda is guaranteed to take away the cares of the real-world prices for a few hours.

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In New Zealand, $1 can get you 70 Free Spins at Spin Casino

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At Spin Casino, Kiwis can get a real bargain, deposit $1 and get 70 Free Spins. Having been online since 2019, Spin Casino has become extremely popular in NZ and there’s an excellent reason for that. This site offers a versatile and dynamic game selection and their bonuses are worth every cent. For players who enjoy nothing more than playing pokies, you can use your 70 Free Spins Bonus on Agent Jane Blonde Returns. Once you have finished your free spins, you can deposit NZ$5 and get 100 Free Spins for MegaMoolah, and 100% matched bonus up to NZ$1000. The wagering requirement is 100x (which is a little high) but still it’s a chance to play new slots for thrills and entertainment.

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In UK, £1 can get you 80 Bonus Spins at Zodiac Casino

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EGR US Power Summit 2023: What Top Officials in the iGaming World Discuss and Do During These Events

Igaming industry leaders gathered at the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach Resort in California, United States for the EGR US Power Summit on 14 and 15 September 2023. Experts discussed challenges, opportunities and trends shaping the sector, as well as new igaming products and experiences. Key to their agenda was examining the challenges of igaming legalization in certain States, as well as the advantages of AI in the industry.

The summit comprised 19 sessions featuring renowned speakers, refreshment breaks, a golf tournament, whiskey tasting, and networking.

The EGR US Power Summit is a renowned yearly event attended by the top officials of iGaming operators in North America. The event is hosted by EGR Global (egaming Review), a business-to-business publisher and membership networking group for online gaming operators. The publisher hosts many networking events including the US Power Summit.

This is an exclusive event for invite-only senior-level executives. Ideally, EGR Global releases a list of the top online casino operators in North America. The 2023 list is not yet out. But, going by last year’s list, the leading online gambling operators in North America include:

• Wynn Resorts
• Bet365
• BetMGM
• DraftKings
• FanDuel/Flutter Entertainment
• Rush Street Interactive (Sugar House)
• Delaware North
• San Manuel Casino
• Parx Casino
• PRIZEPICKS
• Kindreds
• LANDRY’S
• Fifth Street Gaming
• Pechanga Resorts Casino
• Resorts Digital Gaming
• Prairie Band Casino $ Resorts
• Gambling Group
• Eilers & Krejcik Gaming
• Checkd Group
• Caliente

This list is dependent on various factors including the overall growth of a company, geographical growth, brand awareness, how firms support responsible gambling, product development, and a firm’s enthusiasm for M&A. This will give other operators such as Caesars, Hard Rock, Penn Entertainment, Bally’s, Tipico, and others a chance to make it to the 2023 list.

Considering this is an exclusive event, media is restricted from attending, leaving no information to leakage. Fortunately, the topics of discussion are revealed on their website. Below, we look at how the event took place, what 2023 EGR US Power Summit attendees talked about, and who led the discussions.

Discussion on legalization Challenges facing New York, California, Texas, and Florida

New York legalized online sports betting in 2022. Online casinos had to wait. Bill Pascrell III, partner at Princeton Public Affairs Group and New Jersey’s leading expert on online gaming, talked about this topic and the progress of the ‘super 4’ States. The summit heard that there had been differing levels of development across the board, and Pascrell reflected on stakeholder conflicts in Florida, the failed ballot in California, and what is expected to happen next. He also spoke about the downstate casinos in New York and slow glimmers of progress in Texas.

With regard to casinos in downtown New York, the state has three casino licenses to give to casino operators. Yet, there are over 12 bidders. Two of these licenses may go to the Empire City and Resorts World which already have established casinos and class II licenses. This leaves one license up for grabs.

Regarding the failed ballot in California. This was the most expensive ballot ($460 million) in US history, which was initiated in 2022 to push for gambling expansion, especially sports betting. But, it failed.

In terms of Texas, it is one of the States that has had the slowest gambling expansion. A bill was introduced in the House, only to never see the Senate. It is like the State takes two steps forward and four backward.

Product Innovation

This was a panel discussion led by George Rover of Princeton, Melissa Blau of iGaming Capital, Erik Nyman of EveryMatrix, and Ernie Ropas of Betting Hero. The four speakers had 40 minutes to discuss why sports betting was rapidly growing while online iGaming was still lagging behind.

The four speakers highlighted some product innovations and explained how to improve customer relations by leveraging clients at land-based casinos.

AI and Oddsmaking

AI and oddsmaking was a 30-minute discussion by a fireplace led by Lloyd Danzig of Sharp Alpha Advisors and Tomash Devenishek of Kero Sports. The two showed how operators could use generative AI to create odds across any betting market.

AI is one of the hottest topics today. Led by Adam Kaplan of SportsGrid, Kevin Collins of Xtremepush, Seth Schorr of Fifth Street Gaming, and Jeff Laniado of Optimove, the AI is one of the hottest topics today. As such, the 2023 EGR US Power Summit event had to cover AI too. The conversation was led by Adam Kaplan of SportsGrid, Kevin Collins of Xtremepush, Seth Schorr of Fifth Street Gaming, and Jeff Laniado of Optimove. The panel discussed how AI is playing a huge role in improving customer experience, customer retention, and personalization, and the AI risks companies need to consider.

Improving Sports Integrity Across the Industry

People below 18 years and 21 years old in some States are prohibited from wagering on sports and playing casino games. Unfortunately, prohibited players can easily place a wager or play casino games online using their parents’ information to register online player accounts.

As such, it was crucial to discuss ways sports governing bodies, innovators, and stakeholders can apply to educate and discourage minors from placing bets to protect the integrity of sports. This conversation was led by Will Green of Acutus LLC, Joseph Solosky of NASCAR, Kevin Vonasek of Play Pause, and Matt Holt of US Integrity.

The summit heard about the future of tribal sports betting and how States would possibly collaborate in the future.

Examining Growth Avenues

The gambling industry is competitive. Apart from that, the economy is making it worse for the industry. As such, it was important for delegates to discuss new growth avenues. One of the topics discussed by the panel was mobile betting. The panel consisted of Wayne Kimmel of SeventySix Capital, Chris Grove of Acies Investment, Lloyd Danzig of Sharp Alpha, and Jai Maw of Betting Hero.

It has been proven that work without play makes Jack a dull boy. EGR Global could not risk this. The 2023 Power Summit event was scheduled with breaks after a few hours of serious discussions. This included a gold tournament, lunch breaks, whiskey tasting, dinners, and much more. Overall, it was an incredible summit and experience.

SkyCity agrees to a 5-day voluntary closure – a first in NZ under the Gambling Act 

One of New Zealand’s biggest casinos, SkyCity Entertainment, will be closed for 5 days in Auckland following an investigation by the country’s Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). SkyCity agreed voluntarily to the closure making it the first of its kind under New Zealand’s Gambling Act. 

It is assumed that this closure also impacts its top New Zealand online casino in Auckland. The DIA said that this voluntary agreement is an “unprecedented result” and the first under New Zealand’s Gambling Act.  

In a press statement, released on 18 July 2024, the Department said the investigation identified 23 incidents where a customer was allegedly able to gamble continuously at one of SkyCity’s casinos without detection by its technical system. This system was meant to identify continuous play, in line with its responsible gambling practices. The DIA further claims that there was not enough staff oversight or interaction on this specific occasion.  

The gambler in question racked up massive debt and complained that responsible gambling practices were not followed. The responsible gambling policy in New Zealand dictates that when Kiwi players gamble for five hours or more without stopping, the casino’s staff should be alerted, and the gambler monitored. 

This week, SkyCity agreed to the 5-day voluntary closure relating to harm minimization obligations.  This agreement follows an application by the Secretary of Internal Affairs to the Gambling Commission to suspend SkyCity’s operator license, prompted by a complaint from the customer in question, who carried out the gambling at its Auckland casino between 2017 and 2021. This agreement is conditional on the Gambling Commission consenting to the withdrawal of the proceedings.  

The estimated loss of income to SkyCity due to this closure is believed to be around NZ$5 million. 

SkyCity’s voluntary closure is the first under the NZ Gambling Act

The DIA said this week, that this agreement was an “unprecedented result” and the first voluntary closure under New Zealand’s Gambling Act.  

“This is the first voluntary closure of a casino and is the longest suspension of operations in a casino under the Gambling Act,” said Vicki Scott, Director of Gambling at the DIA. 

“We will be working closely with SkyCity to make sure it is compliant in the future. It is encouraging to see the work SkyCity has already done to lift its performance in this area and its public commitment to continue to improve.” 

SkyCity has apologized to the DIA for the technical failings and is working towards repairing these. 

In November 2023, a spokesperson for SkyCity said it would fully cooperate with authorities on this matter. At the time, it confirmed that the company was committed to maintaining the highest standards of responsible gambling and would prioritize mitigating the risks associated with problem gambling. It did this by heavily investing in safer gambling measures and tools. At SkyCity’s best New Zealand online casino, players will find deposit limits that can be activated, as well as reality check tools, timeout options, in addition to self-exclusion prompts. It further offers a self-assessment test that players can complete to check on their gambling behaviour. 

SkyCity went a step further by hiring an independent expert to review and assess the casino’s anti-terrorism and anti-money laundering systems to ensure wider in-depth scrutiny. SkyCity Casino maintained that it was dedicated to ensuring responsible gambling for players vulnerable to addiction. Preventing underage gambling was also a big focus for the company.

Meanwhile, the DIA in its press statement, emphasized that gambling had the potential to cause harm to Kiwis and that as the primary regulator of gambling in New Zealand, it had a duty to prevent gambling harm. 

“Casinos and other gambling operators have strict obligations when it comes to preventing and minimising harm from gambling, including those relating to continuous and long hours of play,” said Scott. 

“We have a responsibility to keep New Zealanders safe by ensuring gambling operators take their harm minimization obligations seriously. We will respond firmly when operators fail to uphold those obligations.” 

The DIA is accountable for setting policies in place and ensuring compliance to promote responsible gambling practices. With a robust regulatory framework in place for online gambling and minimum bet sportsbooks NZ, all licensed operators are required to adhere to strict rules including safer gambling policies and player protection measures. 

Background of SkyCity Entertainment 

SkyCity belongs to the SkyCity Entertainment Group Limited – NZ’s largest tourism, leisure and entertainment company. The group owns entertainment casino venues in Auckland, Hamilton, Queenstown in New Zealand, as well as Adelaide in Australia. Each casino resort features gambling, as well as premium restaurants and bars.  

SkyCity’s best online casino NZ opened its virtual doors in August 2019 as an offshore gaming business for Kiwis as an extension of its land-based casino operations. This top-paying online casino NZ boasts over 1000 casino games, which include multi-reel video slots, classic slots, video Poker, blackjack, progressive jackpot games, poker, roulette and baccarat games, as well as a Live Dealer Casino. It also offers virtual sports, allowing players to engage with realistic sports entertainment. 

In recent years, SkyCity has come under the media spotlight over this incident, which has severely impacted its land-based business.  

THE NEW ZEALAND GAMBLING ACT 2003  

The Gambling Regulation Act 2003 is a law that governs gambling in New Zealand. The Act is in place to ensure responsible gambling and reduce the harm caused by gambling addiction. The Act outlines the rules and regulations for different types of gambling including lotteries, bingo, online casinos, keno and minimum bet sportsbooks NZ.  

The Act allows the Government to prevent gambling harm, reduce gambling-related crime, and ensure that gambling revenue benefits the community. 

According to the Ministry of Health NZ, not all gamblers are problem gamblers. Instead, research shows that only two percent of adults in New Zealand are vulnerable to gambling addiction. 

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