NZC urges Parliament to amend Online Casino Gambling Bill to protect community sports funding
Wellington, New Zealand — New Zealand Cricket (NZC) has filed a formal submission to Parliament on the proposed Online Casino Gambling Bill, calling for urgent changes to ensure online gambling operators reinvest a portion of their revenue into local communities.
With public submissions closing on 17 August 2025, NZC is rallying clubs, associations, and cricket members nationwide to speak out and advocate for amendments that align the Bill with the community-focused intent of the Gambling Act 2003.
Key concern: No community funding requirement for online operators
In its submission, NZC identifies a critical flaw in the Bill: unlike Class 4 gambling (pokies), which mandates that at least 40% of proceeds go toward community purposes, the proposed online casino framework includes no such obligation.
“This omission could undermine grassroots sports and other community programs that depend on this funding,” NZC warns. “It’s a move that threatens the very organisations expected to deal with gambling harm.”
Class 4 gambling has long served as a model for balancing the risks of gambling with social benefit, supporting local sport, health, education, and cultural initiatives. NZC argues that exempting online platforms—many of which may be offshore—from this model is a step backwards.
Online shift draining grassroots cricket resources
The growing popularity of online gambling is already impacting the financial viability of sports organisations. NZC warns that licensing 15 online casinos without mandatory community funding could drain critical support for coaching, gear, and club operations—especially in rural, Māori, and Pasifika communities.
The government’s rationale, citing concerns about community “dependency” on gambling funds, is seen by NZC as inconsistent with the Gambling Act’s harm mitigation principles.
“The Act acknowledges gambling’s harms,” said NZC CEO Scott Weenink. “Its purpose is not to eliminate gambling, but to channel its proceeds into helping the very communities that suffer from it.”
Call to restore balance between gambling and community benefit
NZC is urging lawmakers to embed the principle that “gambling should benefit the community,” as established in the Gambling Act 2003, and to require that a portion of online gambling revenue be allocated toward public good initiatives.
Such a mechanism, NZC says, would help maintain a sustainable funding pipeline for sport and social programs, while honoring the social contract between government and community.
NZC’s message to clubs and members
With the 17 August deadline fast approaching, NZC is calling on every cricket stakeholder to lodge a submission in support of amendments to the Bill.
“This is about protecting the future of the communities we serve,” said Weenink. “Online gambling must not be allowed to put profit ahead of the whānau and communities it damages.”
For details on how to make a submission, visit this page. NZC encourages all clubs, associations, and cricket supporters to stand together in advocating for a fairer and more responsible gambling framework.
