Celebrity Gambler – ‘Silent Executioner’ Sosia Jiang has Risen to Poker Stardom in NZ

Sosia Jiang might not be a household name like some famous female poker pros. However, in professional poker’s high-stakes world, Jiang – based in New Zealand – has firmly established herself as a formidable force.  

The “Silent Executioner”, as she’s famously known, has fearlessly taken on titans, from Las Vegas’ bright lights to the biggest global buy-in events, emerging victorious time and again.  

From humble beginnings as a struggling young immigrant adapting to her new home, Jiang has traversed an incredible journey to poker’s upper echelons. Her story epitomizes perseverance, dedication, and an almost preternatural ability to master subtleties in a game where millions can be won or lost on a single hand. Today, she sits atop New Zealand’s All-Time Money List with over $2.7 million in total live earnings.  

More than just financial spoils, Jiang’s impact has been truly transformative. At 44, she has shattered stereotypes and defied conventions in a game traditionally dominated by male players from America and Europe. Her trail-blazing accomplishments, including becoming the first female to win the prestigious Hendon Mob Championship in 2020 and a major PokerStars event in 2017, have inspired a new generation of underrepresented players to pursue dreams at the felted tables.  

Sosia Jiang Statistics

Born in the autonomous region of Inner Mongolia in northern China, Jiang’s family was forced to relocate due to their “unfavourable status” with the Chinese government at the time. They eventually settled in New Zealand when Jiang was just 7 years old. It was an incredibly difficult transition for the young girl who did not speak a word of English and grappled with the starkly different cultural norms of her new home.  

Yet those early struggles seemed to forge a resolve in Jiang that would eventually propel her to conquer the biggest poker stages in the world. From learning the basics by playing card games with her family who had little money for toys or entertainment, to honing her skills in underground home games while working in the corporate world, Jiang’s passion for poker was stoked at every step.  

That passion has now manifested into over $2.7 million in documented live tournament winnings, making Jiang the all-time leader among New Zealand-based pros. This staggering sum cements her status as bonafide poker royalty in the country she has made her permanent home. 

Beyond just the numbers, Jiang’s inspirational rise from modest beginnings to becoming an elite, world-class poker player has captured the hearts and imaginations of fans across the globe. Her landmark victories and pioneering impact as both a female and Asian voice in a traditionally male-dominated arena have been universally celebrated as smashing through long-standing stereotypes and discrimination. 

Sosia Jiang Achievements

Beneath Jiang’s multimillion-dollar winnings lie a series of groundbreaking achievements and accolades that cast a bright spotlight on her greatness: 

2017: Won the PokerStars Championship Macau High Roller for $498,073

Became the first female player to win a major PokerStars live event since British pro-Vicky Coren’s European Poker Tour title in 2014. 

Navigating a field of established elite pros like Dan Smith, Nick Petrangelo and Sergey Lebedev, Jiang displayed her trademark cool and clinical aggression to take down one of the richest titles on the annual PokerStars calendar. 

2018: Shipped the prestigious Sydney Championships $25,000 High Roller for $266,880

Less than a year after her Macau triumph, Jiang proved her victory was no fluke by conquering another super high roller field Down Under. This firmly entrenched her status among the upper echelon of tournament players who specialize in the nosebleed buy-in events. 

2020: Became the first-ever female winner of The Hendon Mob Championship (THMC)

While countless male players have won the prestigious THMC on poker’s biggest platform, partypoker, Jiang made history by becoming the first woman to ever ship the title. In doing so, she outlasted elite competition like triple GPI Female Player of the Year Kristen Bicknell, one of the most accomplished female tournament pros ever. It was a watershed moment for female representation at the highest levels of the game. 

2023: Scored her biggest live cash prize of $820,000 at the Triton Super High Roller Series in Cyprus

The Triton tour, known for its extravagant multi-million dollar buy-in events, is where only poker’s true elite gather. Proving she belongs among that rarefied air, Jiang navigated the massive field in Cyprus to bank her largest individual payday from a staggering $820,000 score. 

The raw numbers only tell part of the story. What makes Jiang’s accomplishments even more remarkable is the way she has dismantled seemingly insurmountable barriers and defied the odds in the male-dominated poker world. 

While female representation at the highest levels remains low, with women making up only around 5% of tournament fields even today, Jiang is very much the face of the modern trailblazer. Her resounding success transcends gender, sending an empowering message that skill, determination and meticulous strategy trump all preconceived notions about who can make it in this game.  

Partnerships with Sosia Jiang

Given her immense popularity and influence in poker, many would expect Sosia Jiang to be involved in lots of paid partnerships with casino brands as is common with most top stars. However, we hardly found any evidence of major endorsement deals or sponsorships for the “Silent Executioner” beyond her time as a PartyPoker ambassador. 

Jiang appears to prefer keeping a relatively low profile, letting her poker accomplishments do the talking rather than actively pursuing lucrative branding opportunities.  

That said, her prior PartyPoker association did lend her some mainstream visibility. At the 2022 WPT Big Game tournament hosted by PartyPoker, Jiang outlasted several of the site’s other ambassadors like Ludovic Geilich and Patrick Leonard to make the heads-up finale eventually won by Austria’s Philipp Hofbauer.  

While details are scant, it’s quite possible Jiang had some sort of promotional obligations tied to streaming or content creation during her PartyPoker tenure. Many brands leverage the star power of their ambassador pros for Twitch streams, instructional videos, or special VIP events and promotions. However, she seems to have moved on from that role in recent years. 

It’s worth noting that in addition to her prolific poker career, Jiang is also a practicing lawyer – suggesting she may have limited bandwidth for extensive brand partnerships or sponsorship activities beyond her core profession.  

That said, Jiang’s widespread popularity and pioneering impact certainly make her a prime candidate for future brand alignments, should she choose to pursue them.  

Major poker platforms like PokerStars or GGPoker could leverage Jiang as an inspirational figure to attract more underrepresented demographics like women and Asians to take up the game. Her ambassadorship could move the needle in key regional markets across the Asia-Pacific. 

Similarly, online casino and gambling operators expanding into the newly regulated New Zealand landscape could greatly benefit from Jiang’s local star power and reputation. Her endorsement would lend those brands credibility and appeal, helping forge deeper connections with prospective customers. 

Closing Thoughts: Beyond the Rags to Riches Story

It would be easy, even clichéd, to pigeonhole Sosia Jiang’s narrative as a quintessential rag-to-riches tale – the heartwarming story of an underdog who defied all odds and overcame humble circumstances to achieve the unlikeliest of successes. On the surface level, her journey from struggling as a young immigrant in New Zealand to becoming a multimillionaire at the highest stakes of professional poker does check those boxes. 

However, to view Jiang’s impact through such a reductive, cliched lens would be to miss the true depth and significance of her pioneering achievements that have cast a lasting legacy. Her story represents nothing short of a seismic paradigm shift in the complexion of modern poker and the gambling world as a whole.  

Where once the game’s public perception centred primarily around the “poker brat” archetype embodied by brash, outspoken male pros from North America and Europe, Jiang’s principled approach of cool, surgical calculation combined with shrewd yet balanced aggression has cultivated a new kind of aspirational role model. 

In her, a generation of aspiring poker players across diverse backgrounds sees the virtues of dedicated study, respect for the strategic fundamentals of the casino game, and a tendency to play with controlled fierceness rather than emotionally driven impulse. It’s an approach rooted in discipline, hard work and earned self-belief – qualities that extend far beyond just poker. 

More importantly, her towering success as a female and Asian player shattering glass ceilings at the highest echelons has obliterated long-standing prejudices, deep-rooted stereotypes and institutionalized barriers that previously existed.  

Jiang’s trailblazing trajectory underscores that poker, when the chips are down, is truly the “great game” – an arena of equal opportunity where innate skill and unwavering determination reign supreme over artificial limitations like gender, race or demographic background. 

As the new-age poker renaissance evolves from the boom years of the early 2000s, pioneering ambassadors like Sosia Jiang will be the driving forces defining the future face of the game for years and generations to come. She stands not just as an inspiration for rising talent worldwide to fearlessly chase their dreams, but also as a luminous beacon for an industry striving to become more inclusive, accessible and accommodating to players of all backgrounds.

By Shadrack Kairu

 Gamlinked July 2024

By Thadeus Geodfrey 

We welcome you once again to another edition of Gamlinked. Gamlinked puts you ahead of the curve with regular, in-depth coverage and accounts, reports, and casino news in the gambling industry across the five inhabited continents of the world.   

In this July edition, we reflect on significant advancements and regulatory shifts. On tech, Ronaldinho Spins is now exclusively available on Betano. Further away, Germany has new technology to prevent underage gambling. On regulatory changes, Buenos Aires tops the race to control gambling, with New Zealand, Australia, and Romania also having a few legal matters. Let’s get into the details. 

Underage gambling causes Buenos Aires to stop issuing online casino licenses

The Argentinian Autonomous City of Buenos Aires no longer issues online casino licenses. Not even to top online casinos, citing underage gambling concerns. Gambling News reports that the decision is part of an ongoing effort to protect minors. There have been concerns about laxity in observing the gambling rules properly. 

Buenos Aires launched its iGaming market in 2020 and has since licensed 11 operators. However, LOTBA, the city’s gambling regulator, has taken action after the recent surge in underage gambling.  

While announcing the suspension last week, LOTBA’s president, Jesús Acevedo, was in the company of city officials, including Jorge Macri, the head of the City government.  

Current operators must prevent minors from their platforms. Acevedo stated that the regulator’s focus will now shift to assessing compliance. LOTBA will also monitor operators’ adherence to spending and time limits as required under law. Operators must also implement responsible gambling tools such as self-exclusion. 

In the same spirit, the local government has agreements with social media and e-commerce companies to help in the fight. This year alone, the City successfully lobbied to remove 715 social media profiles and ads promoting illegal gambling. 

LOTBA has also successfully blocked access to 12 websites. It emphasized that it only permits websites with .bet domains. These registered sites must implement strict measures to prevent anyone under 18 from gambling on the platforms. 

In addition to taking it to operators, the city is also conducting school workshops. These events educate adolescents and their families about the risks of gambling. Also, at the same school level, Buenos Aires has blocked access to gambling websites through public school WiFi networks. The city plans to extend this block to all public free WiFi networks.  

Buenos Aires commits to safeguarding its young population from the potential harms of gambling. And all these activities are geared towards that, says Jesús Acevedo. 

Ronaldinho Spins to exclusively sit with Betano brand

Ronaldinho Spins, a unique online casino slot, is a special offering exclusively available on Betano in Brazil. Betano, operated by Kaizen Gaming and one of the best online casinos in Brazil, has been the sole provider of this game in Brazil for the past two months before its network release. But Booming Games has now made it official, adding an element of exclusivity to this exciting game. 

Ronaldinho Spins, which debuted last December, was a significant milestone. During the launch, Max Niehusen, CEO of Booming Games, underscored the strategic importance of collaborating with the legendary Ronaldinho Gaúcho. This partnership, he emphasized, was not just a step but a leap that expanded the company’s global footprint. 

To Niehusen, integrating Ronaldinho’s image in Booming’s games is not just a feature. He saw it as a revolution in gaming that heightens players’ excitement. He believed this promised significant impacts across the industry and was crucial for the Booming’s global expansion. 

Ronaldinho remains one of the most celebrated living athlete legends and well-known football players globally. He won a World Cup, Copa América, Confederations Cup, Champions League, Copa Libertadores, and Ballon d’Or. He also thrives as a businessman, music producer, and media influencer with a fan base of over 170 million across multiple platforms. 

Ahead of the EURO and Copa America 2024, Kaizen Gaming and Booming Games have tapped into through Ronaldinho Spins. Additionally, a particular Copa America version of Ronaldinho Spins has been developed for the tournament and is available on Betano. So, Brazilians can at least celebrate this even after their men’s side suffered a quarterfinal exit in the Copa América after losing 4-2 on penalties to Uruguay on Saturday. 

Frederik Niehusen, Booming Games’ CCO, highlighted the partnership with Kaizen Gaming, noting that it marked an exciting chapter in their journey and expressing their anticipation of delivering unparalleled entertainment to players worldwide. 

Antonio Lamagna, Head of RNG at Kaizen Gaming, added, “This partnership underscores our commitment to providing our players with top-notch entertainment and further solidifies our position as a leading operator in the industry.” 

Betano has been expanding. In May 2024, it developed into the UK market through a partnership with BVGroup. It offers UK customers enhanced betting features and safer gambling tools.  

Booming Games also partnered with Aardvark Technologies to integrate its content into Aardvark’s platform, making its games accessible to operators and customers in Africa. 

Ronaldinho Spins casino slot by Booming Games pays tribute to the legendary football player Ronaldinho. The game offers Expanding Wilds and Bonus Games, and with up to 5000X, your bet wins! Have you tried it? If so, tell us more about it. 

Offshore gambling duty implemented in New Zealand

New Zealand has introduced a 12% offshore gambling duty to ensure that offshore casinos contribute their fair share of taxes. This new tax, effective from July this year, is expected to generate over NZD 716 million annually for the government. 

The 12% duty applies to a casino’s total profits, excluding the betting handle and payouts to winners. Operators who provide more than $60,000 will be subject to this tax. 

The government has already imposed a 13% GST tax on operators’ gross gambling revenue. So, the new 12% tax now brings the total taxation for gambling businesses to 25%. It’s still within the competitive global range. The move follows earlier discussions by officials in New Zealand about the need to regulate the iGaming industry. Primarily tax compliance was deemed the most appropriate. 

Despite the new tax policy, it is still unclear if the government plans to establish a licensing body. The country has no outright gambling regulator like the Malta Gaming Authority or the UK Gambling Commission. Instead, the Department of Internal Affairs, simply referred to as the Department undertakes the role. It licenses and oversees compliance and enforcement functions under the Gambling Act 2003. 

According to stats by Statista, more than 500,000 people in New Zealand engage in online gambling annually. On average, Kiwis spend $2,200 per person. They play at low-deposit casinos and minimum-bet sportsbooks of offshore online casinos based in regions like Malta. They are casinos with a minimum deposit and are convenient, support various payment methods, and offer attractive bonuses. 

The offshore gambling duty presents a challenge for the New Zealand government on enforcement. While it can block and warn non-compliant offshore casinos, it lacks the authority to charge offshore companies as they are not physically in the country. 

Most offshore casinos are safe and trustworthy. They hold licenses from reputable regulators like Malta, Gibraltar, or the Isle of Man. However, players must verify a site’s features, casino games, fast casino withdrawals , and fair bonuses and promotions. 

New Zealand’s new offshore gambling duty aims to capitalize on the thriving online gambling market. It remains to be seen how it will achieve it while ensuring player safety and regulatory compliance. Despite potential enforcement challenges, this initiative reflects the government’s intent to regulate and rip from the growing industry. 

How will the new tax policy affect New Zealand’s online gambling industry’s ability to compete with offshore casinos in other regions? 

Biometric verification for online gambling on the cards for Argentina

In Mendoza, Argentina, provincial lawmaker Verónica Valverde proposes a bill to implement biometric authentication in online gambling. The bill aims to prevent minors from accessing these platforms. 

If the bill passes, Verónica Valverde told the local newspaper, San Rafael, the law will ultimately address the inadequacies of the current legislation. Valverde argued the current system of ID verification allows minors to use adult data to access online games. She emphasized the importance of using advanced technological mechanisms to ensure that only people of legal age can participate in iGaming. 

“It seemed crucial for us to implement an ID verification mechanism based on new technologies, given that we are dealing with a very recent and complex phenomenon. Biometric data are tools already used in other contexts. Applying this method in the regulation of online gaming is elementary to protect our children,” she said. 

Valverde acknowledged the significant challenge of regulating platforms operating outside the provincial jurisdiction. However, she is hopeful that implementing this law in Mendoza will inspire similar regulations at the national level. The issue’s urgency is widely recognized, as the bill has received support from both sides. 

“All political forces have supported this project because we all agree that it is a matter of concern,” Valverde noted. 

The bill’s next step is to be discussed in parliamentary committees. It is expected to receive the necessary support for quick implementation. 

“We have worked hard to ensure that this initiative has solid support, she added, “and we hope that it will be the starting point for finding solutions to current concerns related to online gambling and child protection.” 

It seems age verification technology is becoming an integral part of online gambling. What do you think? 

Credit cards and crypto banned for online gambling in Australia

Australia has banned the use of cryptocurrency and credit cards for online gambling. The law, which took effect on June 11, includes fines of up to AUD 234,750 (approximately USD 155,000) for non-compliance. The ban also includes linked credit cards to digital wallets. The Australian government said this new rule is to protect citizens from financial risks. 

Kai Cantwell, CEO of Responsible Wagering Australia, supported the move. He also urged the government to extend the ban to other forms of gambling to ensure comprehensive protection. He argued that the measure would protect customers and allow players to take control of their gambling behaviour. 

The new regulations bring online betting in line with Australia’s established laws on land-based gambling, providing a sense of reassurance. However, it’s important to note that online lottery payments using credit cards are still permitted. The industry has a six-month transition period before the commission enforces these restrictions. 

Cryptocurrency is included in this ban because it is difficult for authorities to monitor. Besides, the transactions and activity on these platforms are largely pseudonymous. Although it may be tempting to utilise current gambling laws, these regulations would probably be awkward and unwise as cryptos are decentralised. 

The ban clearly reflects the government’s unwavering commitment to reducing gambling harm. To take a firm stance, the government categorizes credit cards and cryptocurrencies as high-risk casino payment methods. 

Australia’s new measures aim to reduce excessive gambling and ensure better financial control for its citizens. The growth of the crypto market has enabled users to make speculative bets on regulatory decisions or election outcomes. 

Judicial Review ordered after Romania bans gambling in small towns

Gambling could return in small towns in Romania. The country’s Supreme Court has mandated a constitutional review of gambling restrictions imposed on small towns. In April, Prime Minister Marcel Ciolacu issued an executive order banning gambling in small towns of less than 15,000 inhabitants. Local lawmakers backed the order and prohibited land-based casinos in these areas. 

The Supreme Court’s critique of the ban is significant. The Court found that the restrictions violated the bicameral principle and identified the order’s intrinsic and extrinsic constitutional flaws. The law’s lack of clarity on the affected localities, the relocation of affected venues, and its lack of clear enforcement guidelines, particularly for rural areas with limited resources, were pointed out. The Court also noted the lack of compensation for local businesses impacted by the ban. 

The penalties for non-compliance with the ban are severe. Operating slot-machine gaming devices without municipal licenses can lead to three to twelve months in prison or fines. Issuing false population size certificates could result in jail for six months to three years. 

Despite these legal challenges, PM Ciolacu remains committed to protecting the public from gambling harms, emphasizing public well-being over economic benefits. The Romanian Parliament, confident in the legislation, has not proposed compensation for the 27 licensed betting operators, including major names like SuperBet, StanleyBet, and Casa Pariurilor. 

The ongoing constitutional review emphasizes the importance of the independence of various arms of government and the necessity of balancing laws with practical enforcement challenges. 

We wait to see how the law will change and how it defines small towns in the context of gambling restrictions. Besides, these small-town residents can still visit the best PayPal casinos online.  

German regulator endorses facial age verification for online gambling

KJM supports IDVerse’s use of facial recognition to determine a person’s age. This will help prevent underage gambling. KJM stands for the Commission for Youth Media Protection, a state organization that regulates children’s exposure to mass media. 

IDVerse is a significant step in combating underage online gambling. This advanced technology ensures that minors don’t access adult online platforms like casino sites by accurately verifying their age. It does this either through biometric facial recognition or ID document checks. IDVerse’s system enhances the protection of minors in environments with insufficient parental supervision. It is designed to handle data securely and promptly deletes it after verification, so there’s little worry about privacy. 

KLM endorsement coincides with efforts in Argentina’s Mendoza Province, where lawmaker Verónica Valverde has proposed a bill to implement biometric authentication to prevent minors from accessing online gambling. 

Peter Violaris, IDVerse’s global privacy chief, says they want to build a safer online world for children worldwide. 

The success of IDVerse’s system in Germany and the proposed measures in Argentina could be the start. They could set the pace for other regions grappling with the same challenge. Biometric age verification could soon be the new way to verify age in digital media. These developments come as part of a broader trend of increasing regulation in the online gambling industry, especially in response to concerns about underage access. 

The German and Argentinian initiatives highlight the potential of biometric technology to provide robust solutions for age verification. 

Technology and the law can indeed work together to safeguard minors from the risks associated with online gambling. 

Kiwi gambling license framework to be implemented by 2026

The New Zealand government has announced its preparations to regulate online casinos for the first time, with an in-depth licensing framework expected to be effective from 2026. The effort will focus on minimizing harm, ensuring tax collection, and providing robust consumer protections. The impact of this will be felt at best NZ online casinos and minimum bet sportsbooks.

Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden outlined the government’s high-level approach to online casino regulation, emphasizing that it will be illegal for unlicensed operators to target players in the country.

The regulatory framework, currently in development, will see a limited number of online casino licenses issued through an auction process. Interested bidders must meet stringent regulatory requirements to qualify. Players accessing these licensed platforms must be at least 18 years old.
The framework will also impose strict advertising limits for licensees, ensuring that online casino advertising is separate from other gambling products. Sports betting and lottery offerings will not be permitted alongside casino games.

The public will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed regulatory plans during the select committee process. This move to regulate online casinos marks a significant step in the country’s efforts to manage the digital gambling landscape effectively.

Closing Remark

From Buenos Aires’ proactive measures to Germany and Argentina’s strides in biometric age verification technologies, July seems to be all about protection. Shall we call it the guarding month? Countries are not letting their guard down, especially when protecting generation alpha. The month has seen significant changes in legislations and protecting vulnerable populations. That wraps up our roundup. As you play, do so responsibly, and remember the fan is not in the winning but enjoying the game. Please stay safe and don’t miss our next edition.

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New players who join the $1 deposit New Zealand casino LeoVegas must complete the KYC verification requirements after signing up. This entails sending your official documents to customer support, who will verify you in up to 48 hours. This is essential so that your withdrawals aren’t blocked. 

Online casinos in NZ offer a Responsible Gambling section that players can use to limit how much they deposit and play, and self-exclusion is also available for vulnerable players.

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Regulated online casinos with a deposit requirement of 5 dollars are ideal for players who want great value bonuses with no risks attached. Typically at most online casinos, you will get a welcome bonus made up of free bonus cash and free spins, but getting your hands on a 100% matched bonus and free spins for a $/€5 deposit is rare and worth claiming. The welcome bonus package at Mr Fortune Casino includes 50 Free Spins for Fruit Zen, a fruity slot game powered by BetSoft. Claiming the bonus is easily done by registering and making the minimum deposit to unlock it. You will also get the red carpet treatment with a 200% matched bonus, and 50 Free Spins. Find out more about the games on offer, as well as the bonus T&Cs in our comprehensive Mr Fortune Casino Review.

In New Zealand, $5 will get you NZ$10 to play with at Betway

Holding a license with Malta Gaming Authority and UK Gambling Commission, Betway Casino is a high-quality $5 Deposit NZ Casino that Kiwis can join. With an eCogra seal to guarantee fair games, Betway is powered exclusively by Microgaming for guaranteed maximum gambling action. At Minimum Deposit Casinos.org, we have negotiated an exclusive bonus for players from NZ – requiring only a $5 deposit. When you make this deposit, you can play with NZ$10 and take home real cash wins after meeting a low 30x wagering requirement.

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New players can also enjoy 25 Free Spins for Microgaming’s 9 Masks of Fire slot game. Betway has a wide selection of payment providers for easy deposits and withdrawals. Fund your account with major debit and credit cards, Visa and Mastercard, eWallets Neteller, PayPal and Skrill, Bank Transfer and PaySafeCard.

Play classic pokies to blockbuster titles like Game of Thrones and Narcos, and a huge assortment of poker, blackjack and roulette variations – Betway has no shortage of top-rated casino games. Players that enjoy live action can join the Live Dealer Casino where Evolution Gaming titles like Mega Ball, Deal or No Deal abound. If you’d like to find out more about what’s on offer at Betway, you can read our objective and unbiased Betway Casino Review.

In UK, £5 can get you 50 bonus spins at Electric Spins

UK players looking for an electrifying £5 Deposit UK Casino experience should consider the welcome bonus at Electric Spins Casino. With 500+ slots for mobile and desktop and an incredible 50 Bonus Spins, it can be unlocked with a low £5 deposit. To start with, you will be rewarded with double your deposit in addition to the bonus spins, and then you can participate in free daily Bonus Spins, monthly cashback and other exclusive treats.

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Launched in 2021, Electric Spins is owned by iGaming company, 888 Holdings Ltd. The casino operates on the Dragonfish gaming platform and is licensed by the UK Gambling Commission and Gibraltar. Our Electric Spins Casino Review features everything about this new casino so that you can decide whether it is worth your time. Jackpot enthusiasts can try their luck on Daily Jackpots from Red Tiger Gaming with thrilling titles like Arcade Bomb and Da Vinci’s Mystery.

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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

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.

NZ becomes first gambling sponsor for Women’s Fifa World Cup

Kiwis are putting themselves on the global map, literally! But it’s not what most of us would assume. It’s for gambling. Yes, that’s right – Kiwis are putting themselves out there for New Zealand online casino gambling, with TAB New Zealand having struck an appetizing deal with FIFA. This deal fortifies TAB NZ as the first gambling sponsor of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2024.  

This sharp-witted move comes as top soccer leagues around the world are being banned as gambling sponsors for any World Cup event. This year the Women’s World Cup is scheduled to take place from 20 July to 20 August 2024 – which will see TAB NZ prominently featured. 

The reason behind banning soccer leagues as gambling sponsors for the World Cup stems from increasing concerns about the ethical implications and potential negative impacts of such partnerships. There are certain views in some corners of the world that the relationship between sports and the gambling industry is not a good one.

Among the various concerns included problem gambling, integrity of the game, youth influence, and regulatory pressure. One of the examples is that the English Premier League announced its voluntary ban on the front-of-shirt gambling sponsors starting from the 2026-27 season. This follows mounting pressure from public health advocates and politicians.  

Branding around the venue grounds of the World Cup stadium is also up for discussion. The sports industry was to be factoring in that it is in line with responsible gambling practices. 

But for New Zealand, this is a pivotal moment. By becoming a gambling sponsor for this event, it has shown it supports the growth and visibility of women’s soccer.  It brings new Kiwi energy to the World Cup, enhancing its reach worldwide. 

TAB New Zealand taken over by Entain

Even more juicier is that this deal comes a year after the online casino group Entain snapped up the lead position at TAB New Zealand in a partnership deal. Exactly one year ago, the Entain Group signed a 25-year partnership and cemented itself as a prominent leader of the Kiwi sports scene.  

TAB, formerly known as the New Zealand Racing Board, is a government body, which provides betting services for sports and racing. It employs around 460 staff and operates throughout New Zealand. Its offices are in Petone. 

TAB NZ was established under the Racing Industry Act 2020, and its primary function is to act as the manager of the country’s many TAB outlets. It is the official Kiwi sports and race betting provider. The two main operations are – gaming operations and betting operations.

According to a press release issued by Entain, the partnership with TAB began on 1 June 2023. Entain CEO Dean Shannon said in a statement that this deal provided unrestricted access to the regulated New Zealand market. He said it provided a significant opportunity to enhance and improve engagement with Kiwi customers and grow the online sports betting market – including minimum bet sportsbooks NZ 

 So far, the deal has enabled the financial upliftment of three New Zealand racing codes and 38 National Sporting Organizations, according to media reports. New Zealand’s betting market of approximately NZ$600 million today, according to Entain, and is expected to grow by 35% over the next five years^. 

This means Entain is making huge inroads fast, and will be leading Kiwi minimum bet sportsbooks to new heights, globally in the years to come. 

Background of Entain

Prominent is what the Entain Group is in the gambling industry. Headquartered in the United Kingdom, the Entain Group operates several top online casinos in NZ such as Coral, Bwin, and Ladbrokes. This company was founded in 2004 and today stands tall as one of the largest sports betting and igaming groups in the world, even so far as being listed on the London Stock Exchange. 

The company’s reputation precedes itself, boasting a portfolio that includes sports betting at minimum bet sportsbooks NZ, casino games at top New Zealand online casinos, poker, and a hell of a lot more. It caters to millions of players across seas and borders. Entain is also committed to responsible gambling, investing significantly in research, education, and technology to promote safer gambling practices. 

It was back in 2007, that the Entain Group launched a sportsbook, and was granted a Maltese licence. It has only gone uphill from there. 

The partnership between TAB New Zealand and Entain represents a significant milestone, not only for the involved entities but also for the broader sports and gambling industries. As the Women’s Fifa World Cup 2024 approaches, all eyes will be on how this sponsorship unfolds, potentially setting new precedents for the future of sports sponsorships globally. 

This groundbreaking deal underscores the evolving dynamics of sports sponsorship and the growing influence of the gambling industry, raising important questions about the intersection of sports, business, and societal impact. 

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 makes Lucky Nugget the Kiwi darling of online casinos

Having launched in the late 90s, Lucky Nugget Casino has been around for decades and has become a Kiwi darling. It is loved for its vibrant casino games and regular low-deposit promotions.  

As one of our featured best NZ online casino sites, this casino offers attractive Free Spins bonus deals and as a $1 deposit NZ casino, nothing else will come close to this kind of affordability.  

Part of Digimedia Ltd Malta, which has over 19 other top online casinos, Kiwis can feel safe when joining Lucky Nugget due to its exception security features. It operates with a Malta Gaming Authority license and cares for vulnerable players by providing a responsible gambling section where players can limit their deposits and playing time or self-exclude. Lucky Nugget has also partnered with independent testing companies like eCogra, and this serves to ensure the games deliver fair results with no funny business. 

Sign up today at a 1-dollar deposit casino NZ Lucky Nugget and collect 40 free spins for MegaMoolah with an NZ$1 deposit. We assure you this offer is genuine! New players who join Lucky Nugget, the best New Zealand online casino with a $1 deposit, can get 40 free spins on a progressive jackpot game that regularly pays big prizes over its seeded NZ$1 million payout. 

Imagine getting 40 free spins for MegaMoolah for NZ$1! This is what makes low-budget online gambling as exciting as it is. The chance to earn real money value-free spins, where you can withdraw your wins as cash. 

There are bonus wagering requirements and other T&Cs to take into consideration, but once those conditions are met, you can withdraw your MegaMoolah winnings as real cash.

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The standout features at Lucky Nugget

The standout features at the Lucky Nugget online casino real money NZ site are many. This Kiwi casino has been successful in many parts of the world.  

Lucky Nugget’s standout features include:  

Rewarding Rewards Program – Besides the welcome bonus, new players who join Lucky Nugget will also get 2,500 loyalty points to use in the casino’s VIP/Loyalty Program. This is a worthwhile boost that has the potential to pile in the rewards by accumulating Loyalty Points. This is easily done by playing your favourite pokies and casino games. 

Exchange Points for Casino Credits – Convert your loyalty into real value with the chance to exchange 200 points for casino credits. Loyalty points have real money value and can turn your online gaming into an exciting online casino experience. 

Dedicated App for Download – Lucky Nugget offers a dedicated mobile app for NZ players who prefer gaming on the go. This app provides seamless access to the casino’s many games and features so that Kiwis can enjoy their favourite pokies and table games anywhere. 

MegaMoolah Pokie – Progressive jackpots are player favourites because they can deliver life-changing prizes in the six and seven figures. Most software providers have created high-paying jackpots, but none is as popular as MegaMoolah. It offers a life-changing jackpot prize that has paid millions to many lucky players over the past few years.  

Here 40 Free Spins are available for a NZ$1 deposit on the MegaMoolah pokie and other popular pokies like Arena of Gold. Best New Zealand online casino Lucky Nugget has every type of casino game you can think of, including top pokies, blackjack, poker, roulette, video poker and live casino games.   

Lucky Nugget Live Dealer Casino – Supplied by Evolution Gaming, this section is streamed live in high definition into your portable device, so you will feel like you’re at a real land-based casino. Kiwis can try to beat the Banker in Live Dealer Baccarat or Live Blackjack. Kiwis can also play popular game shows such as Monopoly Live.  

Impressive Variety of Deposit Options – Lucky Nugget provides many casino payment options and withdrawal payment methods to suit every budget and playing style. You can use VISA, Mastercard, Neteller, Skrill, PayPal, and bank transfer. To see what the minimum and maximum deposits are, look at Lucky Nugget’s banking pages. You will also find out if there are fees for withdrawals. 

What you could get for NZ$1 at Lucky Nugget

After a gigantic casino bonus, Kiwis can try Lucky Nugget’s NZ$1 deposit bonus of 40 free spins and then claim more bonuses on deposits two and three.

Here’s how the welcome bonus package at Lucky Nugget is structured: 

• First Deposit Bonus for a NZ$1 deposit 

To give you every chance to take home real money, register a new player account, deposit NZ$1 at the cashier, and you will get 40 Lucky Nugget free spins for Arena of Gold by Microgaming. Use the free spins to accumulate great wins, and when the wagering is completed, you can withdraw. 

• Second Deposit Bonus for a NZ$5 deposit 

The second time you deposit $5, you will get 40 free spins for Atlantean Treasures MegaMoolah for the chance to win a life-changing payout. MegaMoolah is seeded at NZ$1 Million, so getting 40 free spins for MegaMoolah is considered a sensational welcome bonus. 

• Third Deposit Bonus for a NZ$5 deposit 

The third time you deposit, from NZ$10 to NZ$200, Lucky Nugget will give you a 150% deposit bonus to maximise your playing money and increase your winning chances.  

Bonus terms and conditions must be fulfilled at New NZ Online Casinos before your free spins are awarded, and the bonus can be converted to withdrawable cash.  

The Lucky Nugget bonus has 200x wagering requirements, which can be completed 100% on slots, Keno, scratchcard games, poker, roulette, blackjack, baccarat, and video poker, as they contribute 8% towards the wagering. 

How to sign up at Lucky Nugget

You must sign up for the NZ$1 40 free spins bonus at Lucky Nugget, which is quickly done in under a minute. Follow these steps to get started:   

1. Follow our links to get to Lucky Nugget Casino and click on the bright yellow Sign Up Button.
2. Complete the registration process, claim the bonus, and deposit NZ$1 at the cashier.
3. Once this is done, the 40 free spins will be added to your account. 
4. New players may have to complete Know Your Customers (KYC) verification.
5. Meet the wagering requirement and collect your wins by meeting the wagering.
6. Deposit $5 for 40 more free spins and a 150% deposit match, so you have more.

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By Ginevra Alessandrello  

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.