National’s gambling tax – a sure bet?

National’s gambling tax – a sure bet?
Gambling policy a bit of a gamble. (Image: Getty)
Jem Traylen
The National party thinks there’s a massive tax loophole in online gambling worth $176 million a year, but do the figures stack up, and could they really get a regulatory regime in place by July 1 next year?Thanks to the “Netflix tax” introduced by National in 2016, the government already collects $38m in GST from online casinos, but National thinks there’s a significant share of the market not covered by the tax net – plus, they want digital casinos to pay company tax and casino duties on top (local licensed opera...

More Policy

Govt proposes major council overhaul
Policy

Govt proposes major council overhaul

Regional councillors to be deposed, mayors empowered, and amalgamation put on the table.

Thomas Manch 25 Nov 2025
FIF tax creator says ‘sorry’, but wants deeper reform
Policy

FIF tax creator says ‘sorry’, but wants deeper reform

Economist Peter Wilson says the Government's FIF changes need to go further.

Dileepa Fonseka 25 Nov 2025
Treasury strategist: NZ needs to tax capital income
Policy

Treasury strategist: NZ needs to tax capital income

Struan Little says it’s not a question of whether we should tax capital, but how.

Dileepa Fonseka 21 Nov 2025
The back-to-front ferry deal
Opinion

Pattrick Smellie: The back-to-front ferry deal

Will the wharves be ready when the new ferries arrive?

Pattrick Smellie 20 Nov 2025