Minister for Racing David Bennett has introduced the Racing Amendment Bill into Parliament.
The Bill modernises racing and sports betting in New Zealand, amending the Racing Act 2003.
“These changes make it possible to get a return for the information received from betting on New Zealand events and also bets placed by New Zealanders,” Mr Bennett says.
This Bill seeks to return money into New Zealand through information and consumption charges from offshore betting operators.
An information charge seeks money from offshore operators taking bets on New Zealand racing and sporting events.
A consumption charge seeks money from offshore operators taking bets from people living in New Zealand.
“The Racing Amendment Bill will also enable in-race betting, bringing it into line with in-play betting for sports and will allow the New Zealand Racing Board to offer betting on a wider range of sports” Mr Bennett says.
The proposals in the Racing Amendment Bill stem from a review undertaken by the Offshore Racing and Sports Betting Working Group in 2015.
Mr Bennett thanked the Working Group and all those that made submissions on proposals to amend the Act.
“I welcome this advancement in collection of betting charges that can be used to assist the racing industry and other sports bodies are these bets,” Mr Bennett says.
The Bill is available at:
http://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2017/0288/latest/DLM7380406.html?src=qs
NZRB/NZTR/HRNZ/GRNZ Joint Media Release:
New Racing Bill Welcomed by Industry
The governing bodies of the New Zealand racing industry are united in their support for the new Racing Amendment Bill, introduced today by the Minister for Racing, Hon David Bennett.
The New Zealand Racing Board (NZRB), New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing (NZTR), Harness Racing New Zealand (HRNZ) and Greyhound Racing New Zealand (GRNZ), see the introduction of the bill a major milestone in the process towards enacting legislation that will bring a welcome increase in funding to the industry.
The proposed legislation addresses the rapid and broad growth of online betting and the loss of potential industry income to overseas bookmakers.
“We are delighted to see the recommendations from the Offshore Betting Working Group progressing through to legislation,” says NZRB Chair, Glenda Hughes.
“The support for our industry, which contributes $1.6 billion to GDP each year, is greatly appreciated and we sincerely thank Ministers David Bennett and Nathan Guy, and officials who have brought about today’s landmark moment,” says Ms Hughes.
“We welcome the proposed legislation and look forward to engaging with the Racing Board and Government to maximise revenue opportunities for the industry,” said New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing Chair, Alan Jackson.
“Harness Racing are naturally excited to now see this Bill enter the House for its first reading. We congratulate all those who have contributed to its progression and look forward to the benefits and opportunities it will provide our industry,” says HRNZ Chairman, Ken Spicer.
GRNZ Chairman, Craig Rendle agreed that the Bill introduced today is a momentous milestone, “the export market continues to be a growth area for greyhound racing, and the introduction of offshore charges will help strengthen our future and the contribution we make as a sport to New Zealand.”
“NZRB is also continuing to work on improving its competitiveness to enhance our customers’ experience and ensure they can receive the same level of service and options as they find offshore,” says Ms Hughes.
Approved By Dean Baring www.harnessbred.com
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