New Zealand sporting organizations unite to oppose online gambling bill

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More than 50 sporting bodies have united to oppose New Zealand’s proposed Online Casino Gambling Bill, arguing that it would negatively impact the country’s sporting industry.

Internal Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden introduced the online gambling bill to the House of Representatives in June. It would open an auction process, with 15 licenses available to offshore operators.

In July, the bill passed its first reading in Parliament with a vote of 83 to 39. Yet, sporting leaders have pointed out that the bill omits details regarding an operator’s requirement to return a share of its profits to the community, stating that it is a ‘dangerous omission.’

Speaking to Newstalk ZB, Cycling New Zealand chair, Martin Snedden, said, “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. There had been no consultation with the sport sector, no warning that this was coming. As soon as I saw it, I recognized the extent of the risk to community funding.”

Currently, NZ$170 million (US$101 million)1 NZD = 0.5916 USD
2025-08-04Powered by CMG CurrenShift generated from pokie grants is given to community sports from gaming trusts yearly, with no money going towards professional sports. Snedden and other sporting leaders are urging lawmakers to revise the bill to require operators to contribute to community funding.

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