New Zealand Sports Groups Rally Against Online Casino Bill

More than 50 sporting organisations in New Zealand have come together in opposition to the Government’s proposed Online Casino Gambling Bill. They warn that the legislation could severely impact community sports across the country. Introduced by Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden in June 2023, the bill seeks to regulate offshore online casino gambling by granting licenses to up to 15 international operators.

The bill passed its first reading in Parliament by a vote of 83 to 39, with support from the Greens during a conscience vote. Despite this progress, leaders within the sports community have raised concerns about a critical aspect of the legislation: it does not mandate that operators return a portion of their profits to support local sports initiatives. This omission has been described as both glaring and dangerous.

Currently, gaming trusts distribute approximately $170 million annually in pokie grants to community sports. Notably, none of these funds are allocated to professional sports. The sporting organisations argue that the absence of a community profit-sharing requirement in the new bill could lead to a significant loss of funding that is vital for grassroots sports development.

The proposed legislation has sparked a broad debate about the implications of online gambling in New Zealand. Advocates for the bill argue that it could create a regulated environment for what is currently an unregulated market. They believe this could increase consumer safety and generate tax revenue for the government. However, opponents maintain that without a community benefit provision, the bill prioritizes profit for international operators over the welfare of local sports.

The coalition of sporting bodies has initiated a campaign to raise awareness about the potential consequences of the Online Casino Gambling Bill. They emphasize the importance of ensuring that community sports receive necessary funding to thrive and develop. The sporting leaders are calling on the Government to reconsider the bill’s provisions and include measures that would ensure profits from online gambling contribute to local sports.

As the legislative process continues, the future of community sports funding in New Zealand hangs in the balance. Sporting organisations remain vigilant and committed to advocating for a fair solution that protects the interests of local athletes and clubs. The outcome of this debate will likely shape the landscape of sports funding in the country for years to come.