New Zealand’s Online Casino Gambling Bill is facing backlash from the sports sector, with more than 50 organizations warning it could gut community sport funding.
The bill, introduced in June by Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden, aims to regulate offshore casino platforms by issuing up to 15 licenses to international operators. It passed its first reading in July (83–39) and is now under select committee review. Public submissions close August 17.
$170M at Risk, Sector Warns
At the centre of the protest is the bill’s silence on community contributions. Currently, around NZ$170 million in pokie grants is funnelled into grassroots sport each year via gaming trusts. The proposed legislation includes no requirement for licensed online operators to match that support.
Sports bodies argue the bill could shift gambling revenue online while stripping away the financial support local clubs rely on.
“This Is a Crazy Move”
Cycling New Zealand chair Martin Snedden is leading the charge, calling the move reckless and risky.
“Sport has thrived for decades off the back of community gambling grants. It all goes to clubs, not professional sport,” he said.
“There had been no consultation with the sport sector, no warning this was coming. As soon as I saw it, I recognised the extent of the risk.”
He’s urging lawmakers to return to earlier versions of the bill that included community funding provisions and to make those contributions a condition of entry for offshore operators.
Bill Offers Harm Safeguards—But No Sport Funding
The bill does include age checks, ad restrictions, a levy for harm prevention, and tax obligations for operators. But it offers no revenue share for sport or local causes—something opponents say is a glaring oversight.
Snedden warned the timing couldn’t be worse, with clubs already squeezed by rising costs, reduced sponsorship, and limited local government support.
Minister Defends the Plan
Van Velden insists the goal is to protect players and regulate a currently unchecked market.
“New Zealanders can legally access thousands of offshore gambling websites. But the market is unregulated, so there are no player safety standards or oversight of harm minimisation.”
She says licensed operators will contribute to tax revenue and support for gambling harm services—but didn’t address the absence of sport or community funding.
Final Chance to Weigh In
With submissions closing August 17, the sports sector is making a last push to get the funding issue back on the table before the bill moves forward.
