for early access to the latest igaming videos!
and get the latest igaming news first!
An unidentified party has launched legal proceedings against SkyCity Entertainment Group to challenge the legality of its online gaming setup, according to a Friday filing from the New Zealand and Australia-based operator. The case focuses on the operations of Silvereye Entertainment Limited, a Malta-licensed third party that runs SkyCity Online on behalf of an overseas SkyCity subsidiary. SkyCity said it completely rejects any liability and will fight the action head-on.
Class Action Seeks Recovery of Gambling Losses
The filing details that the proceedings include a request to pursue the matter as a funded class action covering gambling losses on SkyCity Online from February 2020 through February 2026. This class action suit, if granted, would seek to represent all players who lost money on the platform within this time frame, hoping to put the online operations to the test. SkyCity has made it quite obvious that it doesn’t believe any of these claims are valid and is ready to defend itself in court.
Platform Run Through Malta-Licensed Third Party
SkyCity Online Casino is operated by Gaming Innovation Group for SkyCity Malta Limited, a subsidiary that functions independently within the SkyCity Entertainment Group structure. The website itself falls under Silvereye Entertainment Limited, which carries a Malta Gaming Authority license numbered MGA/B2C/880/2021. This is the company that provides the online gaming service for SkyCity Online, the overseas subsidiary named in the document.
There are more than 1,900 games available, ranging from pokies to traditional table games and live casinos. SkyCity’s own site emphasizes its commitment to integrity and player satisfaction as what sets the online casino apart from competitors. That messaging underscores the operator’s positioning even as it now faces this legal test over the lawfulness of how the platform is structured and run.
SkyCity’s Denial and Defense Plans
In its disclosure, SkyCity stated outright that it denies any responsibility tied to the proceedings. The company plans to contest both the class action application and whatever substantive arguments the plaintiff brings forward. Proceedings like this often turn first on whether a court will allow a class action to go ahead, especially when external funding is involved to cover legal costs.
The Malta licensing through Silvereye provides the regulatory backbone for SkyCity Online Casino, a setup that’s standard for many operators serving international players. Gaming Innovation Group’s role adds the technical and operational layer under that licensed framework. SkyCity appears confident that this arrangement meets all relevant legal standards, despite the plaintiff’s effort to pull the parent company into the dispute.
Legal Test of Online Structure
With the class action bid targeting losses over 6 years, the case could draw in a wide pool of players if certified. SkyCity’s firm stance suggests it views the challenge as lacking merit, likely arguing that its subsidiary and third-party partners operate within proper bounds. The outcome will hinge on how courts assess the relationships between SkyCity Entertainment Group, SkyCity Malta Limited, Silvereye Entertainment, and Gaming Innovation Group.
This move puts SkyCity’s online model under the microscope at a time when operators increasingly rely on offshore licensing and service providers to reach global audiences. A funded class action adds pressure, as success for the plaintiff could open claims from anyone who played and lost during the period in question. SkyCity’s commitment to a strong defense signals it’s ready for what could be a lengthy process.
Source: Asia Gaming Brief (AGB)
