The legislation will be introduced to Parliament later this year.
New Zealand.- The New Zealand government plans to introduce amendments to the Gambling Act 2003 which would prohibit the sale of lotto tickets to people aged under 18. Retailers caught selling Lotto products to minors will face fines of up to NZ$1,000.
This proposal has been reported by the local media outlet 1News, and it is anticipated that the bill will be discussed in Parliament later this year. Currently, the Instant Kiwi product is the only Lotto NZ offering that is restricted to under-18-year-olds.
Home Affairs Minister Brooke van Velden has described the change as “a really simple” legislative adjustment that will ensure uniform age restrictions across all Lotto products and clarify them to retailers and consumers.
Lotto NZ has expressed support for the move, with Will Hin, head of corporate communications, saying that the measure will contribute to the organisation’s commitment to minimise gambling harm-related issues.
Last December, the government announced that it would pass under urgency the Racing Industry (Unlawful Destruction of Specified Greyhounds) Amendment Bill to ban greyhound racing in the country on the grounds of animal welfare. A transition period of 20 months would be given to allow time to find homes for racing dogs and help those involved in the industry.
Deputy Prime Minister and Racing Minister Winston Peters said the injury rate among racing dogs remains too high and that “the time has come to make a call in the best interest of the animals”.
“We acknowledge the work done by Greyhound Racing New Zealand to improve safety. While fewer dogs are dying, injury rates, while down slightly, have plateaued and remain unacceptably high,” Peters said.
He added: “Further legislation to enable the end to greyhound racing is required. A bill to make the necessary changes to the Racing Industry Act 2020 will be introduced to Parliament in 2025. There will be a full select committee process so everyone will have a chance to have their say.
“A key task will be the rehoming of the estimated 2,900 racing greyhounds in New Zealand. An Advisory Committee has been appointed to help manage the transition process. The Committee members are Heather Simpson (Chair), Murray Johnson and Lindsay Burton. They will provide advice on ensuring animal welfare, and support for those involved in the industry.
“Keeping unwanted dogs safe is a priority. The Government is working with animal welfare organisations to establish programmes to support rehoming.”
