The thrill of victory is in the air as two fortunate individuals have each won a staggering $5.5 million in the most recent Powerball lottery draw. This significant win adds to the increasing number of hefty payouts the game has been dispensing in recent months, bringing joy and newfound wealth to its participants.

In a bold move, New Zealand is set to overhaul its gambling sector by auctioning online casino licenses to international companies starting February 2026. This initiative marks a significant shift in the nation's gambling policy, introducing robust regulations for an industry that has been traditionally dominated by local players.

SkyCity Entertainment Group has reported a significant 73% drop in its bottom- line interim profit, primarily due to a downturn in gambling revenue and challenging market conditions. The New Zealand gambling company, which operates casinos and hotels, recorded a net profit of NZ$6.1 million for the half- year ending December 31, 2024, a stark decrease from the NZ$22.5 million reported in the previous corresponding period.