New Zealand may establish more competitive rules

The government aims to prioritise the services from local betting operators.

New Zealand.- International online gambling operators can face an increment of 2 percent in their taxes payment. An Offshore Betting Working Group presented last year to the government the “Proposals to Amend the Racing Act 2003,” which sets the rise and a data fee for operators that base their services on local information about racing and sports industries.

The New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs approved the amendments and now the government and the community can debate them for a final decision. The competitiveness will help regional gambling operators, specially the New Zealand Racing Board, against international companies that offer the same services to island’s residents.

According to the proposal, the country may receive additional NZ$10 million –US$7 million– in tax revenue. Authorities assured that the tax amendment will be able to adapt to “the success of voluntary compliance and enforcement measures.” Regulators will be in charge of controlling and administering the new tax. The proposal by the Offshore Betting Working Group includes a petition to lift restrictions on the New Zealand Racing Board to offer in-play bets and wagers on sports held in National Sporting Organisations.