Several major gambling operators, including SkyCity Entertainment Group and Bet365, are facing coordinated legal action in New Zealand, with multiple proceedings currently before the High Court in Auckland targeting their online gaming activities.
Three separate cases have been filed against different operators, including Bet365, Super Group, and SkyCity. According to a minute dated April 17th, Justice Ian Gault noted that the proceedings involve at least one common plaintiff and raise similar legal issues, although he said it was premature to consolidate the cases for joint case management. An interim name suppression order has been granted covering the identities of the plaintiffs.
The claims are being pursued under a range of legislation, including the Gambling Act, Financial Markets Conduct Act, Contract and Commercial Law Act and Fair Trading Act. The proceedings are expected to test the legality of offshore-facing online gambling operations that have historically accepted New Zealand-based customers.
Bet365 CEO Denise Coates is named as a defendant alongside related entities Hillside (Gaming) ENC and Hillside (Sports). The company has challenged the jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts, with Justice Gault noting that Bet365 and associated parties object to the proceedings being heard domestically. The legal challenge follows legislative changes passed in June 2025 that prohibit offshore gambling operators from accepting bets from within New Zealand, effectively rendering such activity illegal.
Separately, SkyCity confirmed via a filing on the NZX in March that it had received notice of proceedings involving SkyCity, SkyCity Auckland Holdings and Malta-based Silvereye Entertainment. The case centers on the legality of online gaming operations conducted by Silvereye on behalf of a SkyCity subsidiary.
According to SkyCity’s latest half-year report, revenue from its online casino business is generated from New Zealand-based players using a platform developed by Gaming Innovation Group and operated under a Malta gaming license held by Silvereye, a subsidiary of GiG. SkyCity has stated that GiG is the primary contracting party with customers, not SkyCity itself.
The claim includes an application to proceed as a funded class action covering gambling losses incurred by New Zealand players using SkyCity Online between February 2020 and February 2026. SkyCity has denied any liability and said it will vigorously defend the case.
In parallel proceedings, Super Group CEO Neal Menashe is also named as a defendant, alongside multiple related entities including Bayton, DigiMedia, Digamma, GM Gaming, Baytree (Alderney) and Baytree Interactive. Super Group operates global online betting and gaming brands including Betway and Spin. The claimants are represented by Davey Salmon KC, while the defendants are represented by David Cooper KC.
