New Zealand sports bodies oppose online casino gambling bill
Over 30 sports organisations have expressed opposition to the government’s proposal.
New Zealand.- The sports sector in New Zealand is widely opposing the Online Casino Gambling Bill introduced by minister of internal affairs Brooke van Velden in June. As reported by The New Zealand Herald, 33 leading sports organisations have expressed opposition to the bill, warning that it could hurt sport in the country.
The main concern is that the proposal does not include any requirement for licensed online casino operators to contribute to the community, potentially leaving a gap in funding if online operators take market share from the retail sector. Many clubs are already struggling with operational expenses amid declining sponsorship deals and reduced support from local governments.
Martin Snedden, chair of Cycling New Zealand, said: “This is a crazy move by the Government. Sport has thrived for decades off the back of community gambling grants. It all goes to clubs, not professional sport. There had been no consultation with the sport sector, no warning that this was coming. As soon as I saw it, I recognised the extent of the risk to community funding.”
He urged ministers to revisit the bill’s design and reinstate the original intent behind early drafts, which included a requirement for international operators to contribute to community funding.
On July 15, the bill passed its first reading in the New Zealand parliament. The legislation would allow for up to 15 online gambling licences to be auctioned. The Department of Internal Affairs would enforce the regulatory system, with all costs recovered from fees on licensed gambling companies. Fines of up to NZ$5m (US$3m) could be applied to companies for breaking the rules. Companies applying for a licence would need to provide a harm prevention strategy and information on compliance history.
