Earlier today, it was announced that the government of New Zealand finally passed the so-called Gambling Amendment Bill (No.2). Peter Dunne, the country’s Internal Affairs Minister, stated that authorities will make sure the Gambling Act 2003 is followed closely and as initially intended.
The Gambling Amendment Bill (No.2) was first introduced back in 2007. Over the years, important provisions have been included that paid attention on the gambling operators, their licensing, and the responsibilities they have towards society.
Mr. Dunne also pointed out that the amendment will ensure that operators are steering clear of the gray market.
Some of the changes that the Bill introduces are a clear differentiation between Class 4 communities that make use of funds for their own purposes and those that distribute the funds in question to other communities. To make things clear, gaming machines installed in pubs and nightclubs were classified as ‘Class 4’ gambling activities.
Moreover, a new duty is to be introduced concerning the recipients of grants that are planning to use them for particular purposes. An offence provision is also included for those that do not comply with the regulation.
Another duty is also to be implemented. It concerns employees at casinos and Class 4 venues. They will be supposed to help people who show symptoms of gambling addiction.
The Bill also contains provision, under which the Secretary for Internal Affairs is given the authority to suspend or even cancel the license of operators that breached the law even once.
Mr. Dunne commented on the newly-approved Bill as the government’s means to make sure that the Gambling Act and its measures concerning prevention of gambling risks works as it was originally intended. It is also supposed to additionally underline the responsibilities gambling operators have towards residents of the country.
As he said, certain forms of gambling carry high risks of harm and it is government’s responsibility to make sure that the regulations are effective.
The official pointed out that it is not enough for an operator to just inform its customers about the risks gambling pose, they need to take immediate actions if they notice that a player shows even the slightest symptoms of addiction.
Mr. Dunne also emphasized on the fact that the Bill reinforces the currently existing regulations concerning the banking of players’ money won by means of gaming machines located in non-casino venues. He said that authorities want to make sure that the funds are distributed to those who have rightfully acquired them.
