New Zealand to crack down on offshore gambling
Racing Minister Nathan Guy makes tackling offshore bookmakers his "number one priority" in speech to New Zealand's Racing Board
New Zealand is to launch a clampdown on offshore gambling operators in the country stating it was a “complex” problem that needs resolving.
In a speech made to New Zealand’s Racing Board on Monday, Racing Minister Nathan Guy said he will make tackling offshore operators his “number one priority” for his coming term and estimated New Zealand’s offshore market to be worth up to NZ$300m.
“I want to be clear: it is a problem, it is complex, but I believe we should be able to make changes and I am committed to making the necessary changes,” Guy said.
Online gambling is prohibited in New Zealand, but gamblers cannot be prosecuted for betting with offshore firms and Guy said those betting with offshore operators did so “outside the safety net” of the country’s regulatory environment.
New Zealand’s government will establish an Offshore Betting Working Group early next year to develop various recommendations on how the country can combat offshore operators.
The group is to be headed by an independent chair with representation from New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs and other industry figures.
Guy said he expected the group to consult with New Zealand’s gambling industry in the coming months before putting forward a number of recommendations later in 2015.
The announcement comes a month after Australia began its own crackdown on offshore gambling after Tabcorp chairwoman Paula Dwyer publicly urged the Australian government to deal with the “concerning” increase in offshore gambling.