New Zealand: Government Changes Online Gambling Bill to Give Money to Communities : PMPMedia.io

By Arijit Roul - 30 Oct, 2025 More about the author

4% of offshore gambling duty will go to local funding. The New Zealand Government will change its Online Casino Gambling Bill. The change makes offshore gambling companies give money to local communities. Radio New Zealand reports this decision came after many people complained about the first draft.

Parliament’s Select Committee currently reviews the bill. The bill wants to control and license up to 15 offshore casino operators. People who disagreed said the first plan had no rules. These rules would make licensed casinos give money to community funding. This funding usually helps local sports clubs and community groups.

Government Plans New System for Sharing Gambling Funds

Brooke van Velden works as Minister of Internal Affairs. She said the Government heard what people wanted. They will create a new system to share money from regulated gambling. “Communities sent a clear message. They want money from online gambling to help local sports clubs. They also want community groups and local organisations to benefit,” she explained. The new plan raises offshore gambling duty from 12% to 16%. The extra 4% goes directly to community returns. Van Velden confirmed harm prevention stays the same. Responsible gambling measures also remain unchanged.

The bill includes a two-year review period. This review checks how the changes affect Class 4 pokies returns. It makes sure funding changes use real evidence. “This money adds to existing funds from pokies, Lotto and TAB. We take nothing away,” Van Velden stated. Lemauga Lydia Sosene speaks for the Opposition. She called this change “a U-turn” and “a big win for communities.” She praised local groups for making this happen. Labour still opposes the bill overall. Sosene thinks it lets offshore gambling enter New Zealand. She believes the harm reduction framework needs more strength.