Further Expansion of Online Casinos in New Zealand Planned for the Future

By Keila Brown | 7th September 2011 | Casino Game Updates

The New Zealand Lotteries Commission made a new plan in regards to the current expansion of the gambling business through the internet. The Lotteries Commission has opted to start selling Instant Kiwi lottery tickets through the online casino. However, this plan has been opposed by New Zealand-based Problem Gambling Foundation. The Problem Gambling Foundation stated accusations that by selling lottery tickets through online casinos, it would increase the overall occurrence of gambling problems amid consumers. The Lotteries Commission’s Chief Executive, Todd Mcleay, responded to these accusations by saying that products associated with gambling, such as lottery tickets, do not actually contribute to gambling addiction.

However, contrary to the response provided by Mcleay, a number of other countries have provided evidence that lottery is one of the main causes of a gambling addiction. Countries that have strict laws regarding the issue of selling lottery tickets through online casinos have lower rates of gambling addictions via online casinos. However, Mcleay retorts by says that numerous businesses cannot survive without the internet, and this includes the gambling industry. Mcleay points out that as online casinos expand, more people will see them in the future and it will be where a majority of business transactions occur as the internet is where many people buy things online.

Currently, the government in New Zealand has yet to approve the plan on the table to advertise Instant Kiwi lottery tickets at online casinos. There is still a lot left to be discussed prior to pursuing this form of online gambling expansion. The Lotteries Commission has set up a two year plan in which to provide New Zealand lottery consumers with a number of new online venues in which they can purchase their lottery tickets to make it much easier and more accessible.