The Government has introduced the Online Casino Gambling Bill which proposes a new licensing regime for online casino operators in Aotearoa. While the Bill aims to regulate and reduce harm in the online gambling space, it raises serious concerns for not-for-profit sporting organisations.

Unlike Class 4 gaming—where operators are required to return at least 40% of proceeds to community groups—the proposed online casino model does not include any obligation for licensed operators to contribute to community funding. The impact of the new bill could see a reduction of revenue for Class 4 gaming and therefore the financial support available to grassroots sports and other vital community initiatives. Without a mandated return to the community, sport will likely continue to see the decline in available funding through Class 4 gaming.

As an organisation we are conscious of the harm gambling can cause, and respect if you don’t feel comfortable submitting. The distribution of funds are an essential lifeline for the sports sector, including hockey, as a means of keeping our sport affordable.

Wellington Hockey and Hockey New Zealand are participating in a national advocacy campaign involving Regional Sports Trusts, Regional Sports Organisations and National Sporting Organisations to try and ensure offshore online casino operators are also required to return proceeds to NZ communities. 

Public submissions are open now through to 17th August. We strongly encourage you and your clubs to make a submission on the Bill before the deadline. It’s vital that the voices of community sporting organisations are heard to ensure that any future gambling framework supports grassroots sport and local initiatives. Submissions can highlight the importance the community funding model—like Class 4 gaming—which ensures a meaningful return to the public. Without this, we risk losing a crucial source of support for our organisations.

To assist you as clubs with any submission, a submission pack has been created which gives further details on the Bill, the implications and a submission template that takes you through the process step-by-step including an outline of the wording for guidance.

Every submission made will boost the sector’s advocacy efforts and hopefully produce a positive outcome for not just our sport, but for all sports.

Please do not hesitate to contact Michael Langley should you have any queries regarding the submission process or would like some additional support.