Indigenous leaders complain that there have been no discussions with the communities most vulnerable to gambling-related harm.
New Zealand.- Iwi leaders expressed their opposition to the bill that seeks to open the New Zealand online gambling market to up to 15 operators. According to Radio New Zealand (RNZ), the Online Safety Iwi Leaders Group claims there has been no consultation with the communities most likely to be affected by online gambling.
Rāhui Papa, chair of Pou Tangata, part of the National Iwi Chairs Forum, said the bill could increase gambling harm by allowing people to gamble easily from their homes. Papa also raised concerns that if the gambling operations are offshore, they won’t have to uphold the Treaty of Waitangi, contribute to community welfare, or provide financial support for problem gambling services.
The group has asked the government to pause plans for an auction and has called for experts and community leaders to be heard before the regime’s proposed start.
He stressed the need for more research on the harmful effects of gambling not just on Māori families, but all families in Aotearoa. He stressed that Māori and Pasifika communities are already affected by gambling, and young Māori are particularly at risk.
Under the proposed legislation, licensed operators will be subject to taxation, including a 12 per cent gambling duty and a problem gambling levy. However, they will not be required to allocate funds to community programmes.
Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden has said the bill would go through Parliament later this year and that the public would have a chance to express views. She said interested parties can share their opinions during the select committee process.
The licensing system for online casinos in New Zealand is expected to be operational by early 2026. The minimum age for online gambling would be 18, and licensees would be able to offer casino games only, not sports betting or lottery products. Advertising by licensed gambling operators would be allowed, although there would be strict limits and no sponsorship.
