Three separate proceedings have been filed in the High Court at Auckland against bet365, Super Group, and Skycity over online gambling operations offered to New Zealand residents.
Key Takeaways:
Three NZ High Court proceedings filed against bet365, Super Group, and Skycity. Skycity class-action claim covers February 2020- 2026 player losses. Bet365 formally objects to New Zealand court jurisdiction in the case. Plaintiffs pursue restitution claims against operators now seeking NZ licensesThe bet365 proceedings name Hillside (Gaming) ENC, Hillside (Sports), and bet365 CEO Denise Coates personally as defendants. The company has formally objected to the jurisdiction of the New Zealand courts to hear the matter.
The Super Group proceedings name Super Group CEO Neal Menashe personally, alongside corporate entities including Bayton, DigiMedia, Digamma, GM Gaming, Baytree Alderney, and Baytree Interactive. Super Group operates the Betway and Spin brands globally, as well as the Kiwi’s Treasure online casino, which has been marketed directly to New Zealand players.
The legal action follows June 2025 amendments to the Racing Industry Act 2020, which made it illegal for offshore operators except TAB NZ to accept racing or sports bets from New Zealand residents. From May 1, the Online Casino Gambling Bill is expected to extend prohibitions to online casino advertising, establishing a licensing framework for up to 15 operators under a December 1 market-exit deadline for unlicensed providers.
Bet365, Super Group, and Skycity have all publicly expressed interest in applying for New Zealand licenses when the auction opens, meaning all three operators now face the prospect of defending historical liability claims in New Zealand courts while simultaneously pursuing regulated market access in the same jurisdiction. The outcome of bet365’s jurisdictional challenge, in particular, may shape how the broader question of offshore-operator liability plays out as other jurisdictions consider similar claims against Malta-licensed platforms.
