Big Bets & Bigger Ads: Why NZ’s Online Casino Bill Might Hit Home
Parliament in New Zealand is considering a new law – the NZ Online Casino Bill – that could shake up how online gambling works, especially when it comes to advertising, community funding, and consumer protection. It’s raised some alarm bells, and here’s what matters to everyday people (gamblers, sports fans, local clubs) – not just politicians.
What’s in the Bill
- The law proposes issuing up to 15 licences to operate regulated online casinos within NZ.
- It would allow those licensed operators to advertise – something that’s currently banned.
- There are also geo-blocking provisions intended to stop offshore, unlicensed casinos from being accessed by Kiwis.
- But: there’s no prohibition on inducements in the bill (i.e. the tempting offers – bonuses, free credits, etc.).
Key Concerns: From Advertising to Community Funding
Andree Froude, Director of Advocacy & Public Health at the Problem Gambling Foundation, has been particularly vocal:
- “It just feeds into the normalisation of gambling. It also opens up the doorway for inducements, which we believe also should be prohibited.”
- She points out examples: inducements like big “welcome bonuses” or “free games” can look tempting – but often carry strings that trap people.
- She also emphasises: “Advertising should be treated like the advertising of other harmful products such as tobacco and alcohol.”
- Froude argues that without strong limits (or even an outright ban on inducements), these adverts will aggressively target vulnerable people and young adults.
What This Means for Grassroots & Community Sport
Martin Snedden, Chair of Cycling New Zealand, is warning this bill could seriously undercut funding for grassroots sport:
“This is a crazy move by the Government. Sport has thrived for decades off the back of community gambling grants. It all goes to clubs, not professional sport.”
He emphasises that the current model (through pokie machines & Class 4 gambling trusts) channels tens or hundreds of millions of NZD annually to community groups and sports clubs.
He also highlights that:
“There had been no consultation with the sport sector, no warning that this was coming. As soon as I saw it, I recognised the extent of the risk to community funding.”
And:
“Do we wait three years to confirm what is already clear, or act now to future-proof funding from international operators? It is obvious this will hurt community funding.”
So, What Does This Mean for Nz Gamblers
If you live in NZ, gamble, know someone who does, or are part of a community group or sports club, here’s why this bill might matter:
- More gambling ads in your face: If licences are granted and ads are allowed, you’ll likely see more adverts – on TV, online, maybe even via apps. For many, that can increase temptation, especially among younger people.
- Watch how inducements are regulated: A big concern is bonus offers or “free credit” deals. The danger is that they sound good but come with conditions that make the benefit minimal or hard to access.
- Community sport may lose out: Clubs that rely on funding via local gambling (pokies etc.) may find a gap if new online operators don’t have to contribute in the same way. That could mean less money for coaching, equipment, facilities.
- Regulation could bring safety – but only if done right: If the bill includes strong harm minimisation (self-exclusion, spending/time limits, identity checks), robust enforcement, and clear rules for advertising & inducements, it has a better chance of protecting vulnerable people. But critics fear the current draft is weak on these.
- You can have a say: The bill is at the Select Committee stage. Public submissions, community feedback, and how sports & health advocates engage are going to matter. Changes before it passes could alter many of the above outcomes.
Bottom Line
This bill could introduce legal certainty, oversight, taxation, and possibly safer options for people who want to gamble online. But there’s a serious risk: if it’s too lenient on advertising and inducements, and doesn’t require online casinos to support communities the way brick-and-mortar gambling does, the harms might outweigh the benefits – for individuals, and for towns & clubs across NZ.