Press Releases
Kiwis Deserve Safe Gambling That Gives Back

The Government’s new Online Casino Gambling Bill, currently under Select Committee review, is a step in the right direction toward creating a safer, fairer, and more transparent gambling environment for New Zealanders. As the country’s leading source of information on legal online gambling, we at PlayCasino.co.nz support the push to regulate offshore operators and introduce licensing, age checks, harm minimisation measures, and tax contributions.
But we believe the bill has a serious flaw: it makes no provision for the ongoing funding of community sport, which currently receives over NZ$170 million annually from gaming machine grants.
This gap in the legislation threatens the very fabric of Kiwi sport — the local clubs, youth teams, and community programmes that rely on consistent, ring-fenced funding from gambling grants. If licensed online operators are going to take market share away from the current retail sector, then it is only fair and responsible that they contribute back to the communities they serve.
We Believe in Smart Regulation That Gives Back
The bill includes strong proposals for reducing harm, enforcing local oversight, and holding operators accountable. That’s excellent — and long overdue.
But regulation is not just about minimising harm. It’s also about maximising benefit. And right now, community sport stands to lose big.
As Martin Snedden, Chair of Cycling New Zealand, rightly put it:
“Sport has thrived for decades off the back of community gambling grants. It all goes to clubs, not professional sport.”
We couldn’t agree more. If these new offshore casinos are to be welcomed into our regulatory framework, then they must be required to support the public good, just like the domestic gaming trusts they’ll be replacing.
Public Submissions Close 17 August – Let’s Make Our Voices Heard
This is not a done deal. The bill is still under Select Committee review, and the Government is accepting public submissions until 17 August. That means every New Zealander has a chance to weigh in and help shape the future of online gambling in Aotearoa.
We’re calling on our readers, our fellow players, sports lovers, parents, club organisers — everyone who cares about keeping our communities strong — to speak up.
We’ll be publishing a simple guide to help you make a submission quickly and easily. The more people who raise this issue, the harder it will be for lawmakers to ignore.
How We See It: Four Principles for a Better Gambling Bill
- Safer Gambling for Players
We fully support age verification, harm prevention, and enforcement of responsible gambling standards. - Legal Options for Kiwis
Licensing offshore operators gives Kiwis safe, controlled alternatives to the black-market casinos they’re already using. - Fair Play for Communities
If operators are earning revenue from Kiwi players, they must return some of it to the grassroots clubs that hold our communities together. - Transparency for All
Licensing is meaningless unless it comes with clear rules — and clear benefits — for the whole country.
We want the Online Casino Gambling Bill to succeed. We want safer play. But we won’t stay silent while community sport is pushed to the side.
We’ll Only Recommend Licensed, Responsible Operators
Once New Zealand’s online gambling market is regulated, we at PlayCasino.co.nz will only promote and review licensed casinos that meet the highest standards of safety, fairness, and transparency.
But we also want to see those operators contributing back — not just to tax revenue or harm services, but to the clubs and communities that make New Zealand what it is.
Final Word: Gambling Should Be Safe — and It Should Give Back
This bill is a chance to build a future where gambling works for players and communities, not just for offshore companies.
Let’s not miss that chance.
About PlayCasino.co.nz
PlayCasino.co.nz is New Zealand’s go-to platform for finding safe, legal, and high-quality online casinos. We help players compare casinos, understand payment options, claim free no deposit bonuses responsibly, claim free spins bonus, and stay informed about the latest casino news and regulations.
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The post Kiwis Deserve Safe Gambling That Gives Back appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Asia
Fight vs. illegal gambling gets boost with Php50M PAGCOR grant to NBI

Reading Time: 2 minutes
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) on Monday committed Php50 million in financial assistance to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) to strengthen operations against illegal gaming, including the banned Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).
The support was formalized through a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signed at the PAGCOR Corporate Office in Pasay City by PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco and NBI Director Jaime Santiago.
An initial Php25 million was immediately turned over by PAGCOR to the NBI, representing the first tranche of the total assistance, during the MOA signing.
In his message during the ceremony, Tengco said the partnership with the NBI underscores PAGCOR’s mission not only to regulate gaming and generate revenues for nation-building but also to protect the integrity of the industry.
“This morning, we are signing a Memorandum of Agreement that underscores the shared responsibility of PAGCOR and the NBI in promoting lawful, fair, and responsible gaming in the Philippines,” he said.
“This assistance will defray the cost of food and expenses for POGO detainees, as well as support the Bureau’s legitimate operations against illegal gaming activities.”
Mr. Tengco said the agreement likewise demonstrates PAGCOR’s resolve to safeguard the gaming industry and ensure that revenues from legal gaming truly benefit the Filipino people.
“Illegal gambling operators undermine our laws, exploit our people, and put our communities at risk. By working hand in hand with the NBI, we are sending a strong message that we will not allow unlawful gaming practices to persist,” he said.
For his part, NBI Director Santiago said PAGCOR’s assistance would boost the Bureau’s capabilities to pursue its mandate.
“The NBI welcomes PAGCOR’s assistance as it will enable us to step up our operations against illegal POGOs and other unlawful gaming activities. This partnership affirms our shared duty to uphold the law and protect the Filipino people,” he said.
The post Fight vs. illegal gambling gets boost with Php50M PAGCOR grant to NBI appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Big Fishing Net Fortune
INSPIRED EXPANDS ITS iGAMING PORTFOLIO WITH THREE NEW SLOT LAUNCHES: PHARAOH’S BIGGER BIG MONEY, BIG FISHING NET FORTUNE & COPS ‘N’ ROBBERS GRAND CHANCE

Reading Time: 2 minutes
Inspired Entertainment, Inc., a leading B2B provider of gaming content, systems, and solutions, is delighted to announce the launch of three new online and mobile slot titles across the UK and Malta iGaming jurisdictions: Pharaoh’s Bigger Big Money, Big Fishing Net Fortune and Cops ‘n’ Robbers Grand Chance. With distinctive themes and proven mechanics, each game is built to engage players and maximize performance for operators.
Pharaoh’s Bigger Big Money transports players to the mystical world of Ancient Egypt. Featuring colorful cartoon-style visuals, this 5×3 reel, 10 win-line slot is a bold new take on Inspired’s hugely successful Cops ‘n’ Robbers Bigger Big Money. Players can unlock the iconic Big Money Bonus by landing three or more bonus symbols, with up to six upgrades and a progressive multiplier trail boosting win potential. Flexible features including Fortune Spins, Fortune Bet, Gamble, and Bonus Buy make the game highly customizable, offering operators a versatile product with broad player appeal.
Big Fishing Net Fortune is Inspired’s latest evolution of the popular Big Fishing series. Big Fishing Net Fortune introduces the new Triple Hit Combo mechanic where three pseudo-persistent nets sit above reels one, three and five. The bonus can strike whenever a net is filled, with the sticky Big Fish value set to the combined total of all fish added to the nets on the triggering spin. Players dive straight into the unlimited Free Spins Bonus until the Big Fish is caught, alongside smaller fish for extra wins. Packed with player-favorite features such as Fortune Bet, Bonus Buy, Gamble, and Fortune Spins, this title combines strategy, excitement, and reward into one fun-filled catch.
Cops ‘n’ Robbers Grand Chance builds on the success of Inspired’s high performing hit, Golden Winner Grand Chance. This action-packed 5×3 reel slot brings the iconic Cops ‘n’ Robbers theme to life with fast-paced gameplay, colourful graphics, and high-stakes fun. Players collect bonus symbols to trigger the golden bullion features and exciting Free Spins rounds, where Collector symbols unlock progressive cash multipliers and pot prizes via the Grand Chance Swag feature. With reel modifiers, surprise wins, and a host of gameplay options, including Fortune Spins, Fortune Bet, Gamble, and Bonus Buy, this game offers a thrilling ride where every spin could be the heist of the century.
Claire Osborne, Vice President of Interactive at Inspired Entertainment, said: “We’re excited to bring these three fantastic new slots to the market. Each title reflects Inspired’s commitment to delivering engaging gameplay, fun mechanics, and standout visuals. From the mystical charm of Pharaoh’s Bigger Big Mone to the rewarding strategy of Big Fishing Net Fortune, and the action-packed excitement of Cops ‘n’ Robbers Grand Chance, these games showcase the variety and quality that both players and operators have come to expect from Inspired. We’re confident they will perform strongly and will no doubt add real value to our operator partners’ portfolios.”
The post INSPIRED EXPANDS ITS iGAMING PORTFOLIO WITH THREE NEW SLOT LAUNCHES: PHARAOH’S BIGGER BIG MONEY, BIG FISHING NET FORTUNE & COPS ‘N’ ROBBERS GRAND CHANCE appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Environmental Social and Governance
ZITRO STRENGTHENS ESG TRAINING WITH AN INCREASE OF 1,300 HOURS

Reading Time: < 1 minute
Zitro has increased ESG-oriented training (Environmental, Social, and Governance) by 1,300 hours in 2024, compared to 2023. This significant growth reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to safety, health, the environment, and governance at its offices in Spain.
The ratio of ESG training hours per employee rose from 2,31 hours in 2023 to 3,12 hours in 2024, significantly exceeding the target set for this year. This improvement has been made possible thanks to the joint efforts of the Sustainability and Learning departments, which have driven the expansion and strengthening of internal ESG training.
Through these initiatives, Zitro reaffirms its commitment to employee training and awareness, advancing towards a more sustainable and responsible management approach.
The post ZITRO STRENGTHENS ESG TRAINING WITH AN INCREASE OF 1,300 HOURS appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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