11. SUE BRADFORD (Green) Link to this
to the Minister of Internal Affairs
What actions, if any, is the Government taking to close down RaceO, the Internet gambling site that went live on Saturday?
Hon RICK BARKER (Minister of Internal Affairs) Link to this
I am advised that officials of the Department of Internal Affairs are actively investigating the website in question. I expect to be advised of the result of those investigations within about 4 weeks.
Why was the Government not ready to deal with this website immediately, given that as long ago as 1999 the briefing to the incoming Minister for Racing at that time advised way back then that a RaceO Internet site was proposed and was not permitted in terms of the law; as this advice has been available since then and the 2003 Gambling Act confirmed the law in that area, why has it taken until now to investigate how to stop it?
It is very hard to investigate intentions. The department had to wait until the website was an actual reality and investigate that.
Does he believe that the Government has the power to shut down RaceO, or are we witnessing the first of many Internet gaming sites, with all the associated damage to problem gamblers and to the New Zealand racing industry that will come from them?