No, Roobet’s operations in New Zealand lack a clear legal pathway under the Gambling Act 2003, as it offers unlicensed offshore online casino services. The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) prohibits unregulated gambling platforms, and Roobet’s absence of a NZ license violates Section 7 of the Act. While no criminal charges have been filed against users, the DIA actively blocks unlicensed sites, including Roobet, via ISP takedowns. The 2026 regulatory overhaul under the proposed Gambling Amendment Bill may tighten enforcement, but current ambiguity persists.
Key Regulations for Roobet in New Zealand
- Gambling Act 2003 (Section 7): Prohibits operating or promoting unlicensed gambling services, including online casinos targeting NZ residents.
- Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) Enforcement: Actively blocks unlicensed sites via ISPs under Section 143, with penalties up to NZ$500,000 for operators.
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Act 2009: Requires licensed operators to conduct customer due diligence; Roobet’s lack of NZ licensing breaches these obligations.
Roobet’s crypto-based operations further complicate compliance, as the DIA’s 2024 guidance on digital asset gambling remains restrictive. NZ courts have upheld fines against unlicensed operators, though individual users face no direct liability. The 2026 reforms may introduce mandatory blocking of unlicensed sites, increasing risks for platforms like Roobet.