The leading opposition party in New Zealand has announced that they will crackdown on internet gambling if they get elected at the next general election.
Earlier this week, the Labour MP, Ross Robertson, said that legislative steps would be taken to stem the flow of an estimated NZ$300 to NZ$400 million which is reportedly spent by punters online in New Zealand on offshore sites that do not pay domestic taxies and levies in New Zealand.
“That particular sum is conservative. I would estimate it’s probably double that, and if that can be used for working with the industry to increase stakes, then that’s got to be good for the industry,” Mr Robertson said.
He claims that adding the law change would raise an extra NZ$20 million in taxes annually.
The New Zealand Racing Board welcomed Mr Robertson’s comments, and offered support.
Furthermore, the government’s Racing Minister, Nathan Guy, said that the issue was now a priority, and that his team intend to work closely with the racing industry to look for practical solutions to the problem after the election.
New Zealand Racing Board Chair, Glenda Hughes, said that the amount of betting cash flowing to offshore websites was increasing, and that it now constitutes a major threat to New Zealand’s racing industry.
Speaking on Friday, she said: “We have long called for measures to level the playing field and ensure the racing industry sees a benefit from their investment.
“We have been working with the current government on this issue and we are pleased that both these political parties now see the need to take action.”
The racing industry is massive in New Zealand. It plays a critical role in the economy of New Zealand, contributing NZ$1.6 billion to GDP, which is on par with the seafood and wine industries. It also employs over 17,000 New Zealanders.
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