New Zealand is set to increase its offshore online casino tax rate from 12% to 16% as part of reforms planned by the National Party.
The four percentage point increase will be baked into the Online Casino Gambling Bill, with funds raised to be funnelled to grassroots New Zealand sports.
The four percentage point hike will be “ringfenced specifically for community returns”, the New Zealand government said.
The community returns aspect will be subject to a two-year review to assess the impact of regulating online casino in the market.
The planned Offshore Gambling Duty hike comes as part of New Zealand’s online casino reforms, which will flip the grey market to a regulated arena.
Up to 15 online casinos licences will be made available via a competitive tender, with fines of up to NZ$5m (£2.2m) to be used as a punishment against unlicensed operators.
The regulations, which were announced in November 2024, will also include the prohibition of advertising that appeals to children.
Online and retail sports betting will remain under TAB NZ’s monopoly.
The changes have been spearheaded by Minister of Internal Affairs Brooke van Velden, who said “protecting Kiwis from gambling harm” is her “number one objective”.
Van Velden added: “The message from communities was loud and clear – if we’re regulating online gambling, they want to see benefits flow back to local sports clubs, community groups and grassroots organisations.
“Right now, Kiwis are gambling on thousands of overseas websites with no safety nets, no spending limits and no recourse when things go wrong. That’s unacceptable.
“This bill brings those operators under New Zealand law, with proper consumer protections, harm minimisation measures and now – community benefits.”
The post New Zealand proposes offshore gambling duty jump to 16% first appeared on EGR Intel.
Four percentage point increase to form part of new regulations for online casino sector, with 15 licences available for operators
The post New Zealand proposes offshore gambling duty jump to 16% first appeared on EGR Intel.