In 2022, Wellington-born actor Russell Crowe starred in and directed the Australian-American thriller film "Poker Face." It wasn’t until recently that Crowe shared the multiple challenges he faced while directing the film during a tumultuous period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic and his father's death.
Crowe revealed that the loss of his father in March 2021 inspired him to return to directing. "This project came along very quickly and in a rather unexpected manner," Crowe explained. "It was nearly an impossible task—any person would have just said no, but I love my job and the art behind it. That’s why I decided to move it forward." The actor/director points out that it helped him to cope with his personal loss.
Picking up the project came after an 8-year break from directing. Despite the personal and professional hurdles, Crowe's passion for filmmaking and storytelling drove him to take on the project, even with only five weeks of preparation. "I was in a particular place, man, because my father had passed away a few days before this opportunity arose. There were 280 people who would be out of work in a corona pandemic if I didn't step in," Crowe recounted.
Crowe also shared that he faced numerous other challenges during the filming of Poker Face, including a temporary halt in production when a crew member tested positive for COVID and the flooding of one set due to heavy rainfall in New South Wales.
About The Poker Face Movie
The Poker Face movie follows Jake Foley, a Miami based tech billionaire and gambler who invites his best friends to a high-stakes poker game. The game takes a dark turn when unforeseen events get out of control and thieves attempt to steal art from Jake's house, only to be interrupted by his unexpected family arrival, forcing Jake and his friends to unite for survival.
The film had a limited theatrical release in international markets on November 16, 2022 and was released on VOD in the United States and Canada by Screen Media on November 22, 2022. The movie hit the New Zealand theatres in December of that year and grossed a total amount of $2.6 million at the box office.
There have been numerous popular gambling films throughout the years: titles like The Gambler, 21, Casino, and Molly’s Game quickly come to mind, and these are just a few examples from a much larger list.
New Zealand’s Challenges in the Gambling Market
The release of a gambling themed movie by an Aussie/Kiwi director brings to light the current state of the gambling industry in New Zealand. Whilst international online casinos are widely accessible to New Zealanders, none officially operate from within the borders of our country. This situation leaves a legal grey area where offshore gambling platforms are not subject to New Zealand's regulations, as no local laws currently govern online gambling.
The legalisation of iGaming in New Zealand remains a complex issue. Although local online gambling operations are not permitted, residents can legally participate in online gambling through offshore platforms. This has resulted in a flourishing iGaming environment, with many Kiwis favouring the convenience and variety offered by online gaming over the four traditional land-based casinos found in Auckland, Hamilton, Queenstown and Christchurch.
Interestingly, online casino brands have been widely available in New Zealand with all operating companies sharing the main characteristics of working with an international licence.Interestingly, the current Gambling Act of 2003 explicitly bans online gaming in New Zealand. Throughout the last years numerous countries around the world have legalised online gambling, particularly nations part of the European Union and North America.
In continents like Africa and Asia, online gambling remains predominantly illegal with exceptions found in South Africa. Closer to home, iGaming was legalised in Australia in 2001, long before the industry reached its current potential. In all countries, the regulation is aimed at controlling and reducing the harm associated with gambling activities.
Under current laws in New Zealand, only state-owned enterprises are permitted to offer gambling services to New Zealand residents. These services are limited to the Lotto and sports betting with no room for casino games like Pokies, Roulette or Poker.
In neighbouring Australia, different international iGaming operators have successfully applied for a local Australian licence which is issued by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA). Industry experts have shown their concerns about players making their wagers in an unregulated framework and advocate for full or partial legalisation.
International brands that operate in both New Zealand and Australia are bet365 and Unibet with the main difference being that they use their UK licence for our country whilst they’ve got local permission to operate their gambling products in Australia.
The Future of iGaming in New Zealand
Looking ahead, the future of iGaming in New Zealand appears dynamic and potentially transformative. Since 2019, policymakers are considering regulatory changes to better manage and capitalise on the growing popularity of online gambling. In recent years, there has been new attention for a local gambling law that is adapted to the modern digital landscape.
These changes aim to ensure consumer protection, fair play, and establish a structured legal framework that could eventually lead to the formal legalisation and regulation of online gambling within the country.
Technological advancements are also set to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of iGaming in New Zealand. Innovations such as live streaming and the integration of Artificial Intelligence are enhancing the gaming experience, making it more immersive, secure, and transparent.
These technologies, along with a growing preference for mobile gaming and a shift in live dealer experiences from traditional table games to game shows, are expected to attract a broader audience and drive further growth in the sector.
The economic impact of iGaming in New Zealand is also expected to be significant, contributing to job creation and revenue generation. The industry's growth has stimulated employment opportunities in software development, customer support, marketing, and more. In international casinos, live dealer games are typically offered with local live dealers as these add an authentic touch to the experience.
Consumers have shown to prefer live croupiers and game hosts that speak the same way as they do. The same is true for customer support agents. Moreover, potential regulatory reforms could lead to increased tax revenues and further economic benefits. Whereas international operators now offer their products through a loophole in New Zealand as they are officially licenced offshore, all taxes are paid in the country where they hold their licence.
Locally regulating iGaming will boost the treasury department as online gambling has shown to be one of the world’s most thriving industries. According to iGaming news medium KiwiGambler, the global online gambling market size reached approximately NZD 142 billion and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of around 11.7%, potentially reaching NZD 251 billion by 2030.
The future of the iGaming industry in New Zealand looks promising and is filled with potential advancements. Stakeholders, including policymakers, operators, and players, should stay informed and engaged with the ongoing discussions and potential regulatory changes that could shape the future of online gambling in the country.