Racing Industry to Start Taxing Offshore Bookmakers
Recently updated on April 29th, 2026
New Zealand’s racing industry could soon be facing some big changes. Reportedly, the government will be charging a point-of-consumption tax on races in New Zealand. After a review by John Messara, an Australian racing expert, two pieces of legislation are in the works. Firstly, the current racing board will be replaced. Then, plans for the tax will be debated and passed by July this year.
Both plans are expected to revitalise the racing industry and boost finances. While a tax has not been set, the policy paper claims that even a 2% turnover tax could bring in NZ$24 million. When compared with most of Australia’s point-of-consumption taxes, this is a fairly modest requirement. On the other hand, the eventual tax could be a lot higher. So, what happens to the current set up?
New Racing Industry Regulator
Based on a report from the Ministerial Advisory Committee (MAC) on Racing and Messara, the new laws are taken from at least 17 recommendations. Chief of these was the tax for offshore operators. Messara believes that the New Zealand racing industry is at a tipping point and is facing a decline. He believes that a new tax could ‘revitalise’ the sector.
According to reports, the existing New Zealand Racing Board (NZRB) will be reconstituted into the Racing Industry Transitional Authority (RITA). RITA will “drive the transition of the industry” according to the New Zealand Herald. In this capacity, they will ensure that all offshore operators “contribute to domestic racing and sports codes”.
To put it simply, they’ll pay for every bet taken from New Zealanders on racing. This could also be implemented on other sports later on. At the moment, our racing industry contributes roughly NZZ$1.6 billion to the economy. Any growth could help struggling communities and towns affected by disasters with much-needed public funds.
Keep visiting New Zealand Casinos for the latest gambling news!
Published by Taralynn
April 29, 2026
Categorie(s): Latest News, New Zealand, North Island, South Island
About the Author
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.
More Posts from Taralynn.
Related Posts
Published by Taralynn
January 10, 2026
Categorie(s): Big Wins, Bonus Codes, High Payouts, Latest News, New Zealand, North Island, Promotions, South Island
Recently updated on January 10th, 2026Members of Parliament and anti-gambling campaigns are filing complaints against British Airways. According to reports, the airline ‘popularised gambling’ in a new ad for ‘British Airways Holidays’. Aired on television, the ad featured a couple ‘easily winning on slot machines’. Complaints have already been filed with the advertising regulator. Just […]
Published by Taralynn
February 12, 2026
Categorie(s): Big Wins, Latest News, New Zealand, North Island, South Island
Recently updated on February 12th, 2026After a landmark year in the Australia/Asia gambling sector, Melco Resorts has been named the Top Gaming Operator at the International Gaming Awards (IGA) 2018. This is a first for the Hong Kong gaming firm, which operates City of Dreams Macau and Manila. Additionally, they own and operate a number […]
Published by Taralynn
January 28, 2026
Categorie(s): Latest News, New Zealand, North Island, South Island
Recently updated on January 28th, 2026Melco Resorts and Entertainment, an Asian casino operator, has put off the purchase of a large portion of shares in Crown Resorts. This follows an announcement by the NSW, New South Wales, which is the governing body for Independent Liquor & Gaming, that it is investigating the business deal. On […]
Published by Taralynn
May 7, 2026
Categorie(s): Big Wins, Latest News, New Zealand, North Island, South Island
Recently updated on May 7th, 2026A gang of thieves in North West England used fixed-odds betting terminals (FOBTs) to launder their illegal cash. This method was used roughly 47 times by the gang from June 2016 to August 2017, according to reports from their trial. The group of at least eight members managed to steal […]
Published by Taralynn
May 6, 2026
Categorie(s): Latest News, New Zealand, North Island, South Island
Recently updated on May 6th, 2026At the latest District Council meeting, the Southland gambling limitations were discussed. Health promoter, Eru Loach led these policy discussions. The gambling machine policies were at the top of the agenda in this latest meeting. Mr Loach told the council that gambling addiction was challenging to identify because in most […]