Home » NZ Internal Affairs Launches Public Consultation on Online Gambling
NZ Internal Affairs Launches Public Consultation on Online Gambling
Recently updated on August 5th, 2019
Just recently, the Department of Internal Affairs in New Zealand launched a public consultation on online gambling. The DIA wants to know whether or not to expand the online gaming market. The department is considering opening doors for more online gambling operators and also update the country’s laws on gambling which date back to 2003. Read on for more on the story!
Internal Affairs’ Public Consultation
On Wednesday, the DIA in New Zealand started a consultation to determine the public’s view on a potential expansion of online gambling in the country. Currently, New Zealand is abiding to laws that date back to as far as 2003 and the department felt it needs a refresh. At the moment, only Lotto NZ and NZ Tab are allowed to offer online gambling products to local citizens, and both of these are state-run entities.
“In 2003 internet technology was still developing. Social media was in its infancy. Cell phones weren’t yet smart and people connected to the internet using cables,” said Tracy Martin, the Minister for Internal Affairs.
The DIA also noted that over the past month, New Zealand punters spend around NZ$381 million gambling at offshore gambling websites and now wishes to channel punters to local operators. In addition to that, the DIA wants to extend the range of products that TAB and Lotto offer online. Also, licencing local operators for online gambling, plus opening doors for any international sites to provide gambling to local New Zealand residents.
“We need to ensure that New Zealanders are safe if they choose to gamble online,” said Martin. “We need to look out for our young people especially, because they are online so much, as well as others vulnerable to gambling harm.”
The consultation will run until 30 September and people who are interested in completing the submission form can do so the DIA website.
Local Gambling Not So Bad
Although some of the country’s residents are gambling offshore, New Zealand is still doing well in terms of gambling expenditure. Between 2017 and 2018, the revenue for gambling in New Zealand reached NZ$2.40 billion, which was an NZ$49 million increase compared to the previous period. The majority came from poker machines ($895 million) followed by casinos ($578 million) and the lottery ($561 million).
The government is also looking at social responsibility controls should the expansion be pursued.
Taralynn Engels is a seasoned casino news writer with a passion for keeping her readers up-to-date with the latest happenings in the gambling industry. With over five years of professional writing experience, Taralynn has developed a deep understanding of the casino industry and a knack for delivering engaging and informative content. Aside from her in-depth knowledge of the casino industry, Taralynn possesses excellent writing skills that allow her to craft captivating narratives that keep readers hooked until the last word. Her ability to simplify complex concepts and present them in an accessible manner guarantees that her articles are enjoyed by both seasoned casino enthusiasts and newcomers alike.
Recently updated on August 21st, 2019Gambling online has become more favored in New Zealand, according to reports. The people who have been against gambling said that the recent government has been concentrating on governing the industry. Not a lot of energy has been spent on providing people with the utmost protection against web-based gambling harm. […]
Recently updated on April 12th, 2018The Nevada Gaming Control Board has reached a unanimous decision to amend certain gambling regulations in the state. Their recommendations have been made at two public hearings in Carson City and Las Vegas. These suggested changes will probably be adopted by the Nevada Gaming Commission on April 19th. At least […]
Recently updated on October 23rd, 2018Despite calls for banning third-party betting on lotteries, Australian bets are reportedly rising for the US MegaMillions. According to TheLotter.com, AU ticket sales have ‘sky-rocketed’, along with bets. Many punters have been using Lottoland and TheLotter.com to place their bets, probably for the last time. The jackpot for the American […]
Recently updated on May 14th, 2019The Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) is one of the most trusted gambling regulators in the world. You can find Malta casinos almost anywhere in the world. They are famous for providing licences to casino operators to offer gambling activities in a country where they do not physically reside. All of […]
Recently updated on September 10th, 2021Classic blackjack games have the best odds for winning and are the easiest to learn. Your odds are 0.13% or 99.87% returns per hand, which is stellar compared to other versions. Most classic blackjack games use a single deck but can use multiple decks. Still, there are a handful of […]
