Under the current Gambling Act 2003, Section 9 prohibits "remote interactive gambling," which is defined as "gambling by a person at a distance by interacting through a communication device."
In 2021, during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, an exception was introduced allowing operators with a Class 3 license to conduct specific gambling activities remotely, ensuring their fundraising efforts were not hindered. Although lotteries were temporarily included in this exception, this provision is set to expire on October 31, 2024. The proposed new law aims to make the remote operation of lotteries permanent.
Class 3 license holders include operators who do not use machines for gambling, aimed at raising funds for charitable and non-commercial purposes. Once granted permanent exemption, lottery organizations will continue to freely advertise and accept online payments.
Currently, only the state-owned Lotto NZ and licensed lotteries operating outside New Zealand can permanently conduct remote gambling. Local commercial lotteries are not included.
The draft bill suggests adding a new paragraph stating that "any gambling operator holding a Class 3 operator's license conducting Class 3 gambling in the form of a lottery" will not be restricted by the ban.
The public is expected to provide feedback on the proposed changes by 11:59 PM on Thursday, September 19, and the Governance and Administration Committee is expected to submit a report to the House of Representatives on October 10.
In July this year, the New Zealand government announced that unlicensed operators are not allowed to conduct gambling activities targeting players within the country.
