Home » NZ Gambling Act Reforms Tabled for Public Discussion
NZ Gambling Act Reforms Tabled for Public Discussion
Recently updated on August 25th, 2019
Gambling Act reforms are now up for discussion by the government and public after coming up for review on 31 July. Currently, the legislation is not specific enough about Internet gambling, which will be the main focus for the reforms by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA). However, the suggestions submitted are drawing criticism from anti-gambling campaigners. According to them, the reforms are skewed to benefit the industry, as opposed to NZ players.
With so much controversy, it’s important to know the facts of the current situation in New Zealand. Reportedly, New Zealanders spent NZD381 million over the past 18 months. This figure isn’t exact, but it is quite high when compared with current totals for land-based gambling. With that in mind, the 2003 Gambling Act reforms are aimed at updating current laws to accommodate for “technological changes and industry upgrades”. Here’s a quick summary of each reform:
Keep existing operators with the same offerings.
Expand the number of products offered by TAB and Lotto.
License domestic operators to offer gambling products.
License domestic and/or international operators.
Gambling Act Reforms Fail Problem Gamblers
As it stands, three of the four proposed Gambling Act reforms would allow for more gambling products to become available to Kiwis. Of course, this is a point of contention for anti-gambling campaigners who believe this will worsen New Zealand’s gambling addiction rates. Still, the DIA will aim to require some tools for restricting gambling in NZ. These will include:
Self-exclusion measures.
Credit card restrictions.
Public Wi-Fi limits.
Creation of an offence.
Geo-blocking access.
Moreover, critics have already targeted the geo-blocking suggestion, as it would require casinos to block NZ players. If they intend to block gambling sites in New Zealand, it would be filtering websites. Misunderstanding technology will likely be a discussion point for the next few weeks. This would technically equate to censorship using the Gambling Act, which the DIA dismissed. They claim that they would only be filtering websites operating illegally or failing to comply with local laws.
Public Submissions Open until 30 September
While the Gambling Act reforms are being discussed, members of the public can also have their say until 30 September. These can be made on the DIA website using the form provided. Until then, keep visiting NewZealandCasinos.co.nz for updates on this story and other gambling news.
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 31st, 2021Many players are touting the best system to play roulette, but the unfortunate truth is that the methods don’t always work. You will bet a lot of money and win some back, but you won’t be guaranteed plenty of wins. There are plenty of betting systems out there, so we’ll […]
Recently updated on April 24th, 2019Although PokerStars is undoubtedly one of the most famous poker gambling sites in the US, they have been looking to branch out towards the sports gambling arena. The online poker site had hoped that the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement (DGE) would not notice that they accepted bets on […]
Recently updated on March 25th, 2019If you are one of New Zealand’s top sports betting fans, then you are at the right destination as we have something to share which might excite you. One of the top online casino software providers, Microgaming, has launched a new sports-betting themed online pokie called Bookie of Odds. The […]
Recently updated on July 10th, 2019New Zealand’s banks and financial service providers have been called to help in tackling problem gambling. Former Parliamentarian Tim Barnett is spearheading the campaign to curb Kiwis from overspending on gambling. Currently leading FinCap, Barnett is aware of how many New Zealanders often find themselves in need of budgeting services […]
Recently updated on August 15th, 2018Gaming Machine Proceeds fund communities across New Zealand, making it possible for amateur sports and local outreach projects to thrive. From April to June 2018, proceeds from gaming machines have risen by 3.1% to NZ$6 846 240. This is according to the latest statistics from the Department of Internal Affairs […]