$7 million increase in gambling expenditure 2012-13
25 March 2014
Gamblers in New Zealand spent $2072 million dollars on the four main forms of gambling in the 2012/13 financial year, $7 million more than the previous year, according to figures compiled by the Department of Internal Affairs.
In 2012/13:
- TAB racing and sports betting increased by 4 per cent from $283 million to $294 million, reflecting the continuing growth of race betting
- Spending on NZ Lotteries products rose 3.1 per cent from $419 million to $432 million
- Casino gambling expenditure rose 2.1 per cent from $509 million to $520 million
- Spending on gaming machines in pubs and clubs dropped by 3.3 per cent from $854 million to $826 million.
When adjusted for inflation total gambling expenditure in 2013 declined by almost 19 per cent from the peak recorded in 2004 ($2569 million inflation-adjusted). The only form of gambling that did not see a drop in inflation-adjusted expenditure over the past decade are Lotto products ($432 million in 2013), which has increased 22 per cent since 2004 ($355 million when adjusted for inflation).
An estimated $637 million, or 31 per cent of expenditure, was distributed to a variety of community purposes from gambling proceeds. Non-casino gaming machine trusts raised an estimated $290 million for authorised community purposes. NZ Lotteries transferred $202 million to the Lottery Grants Board for community services and projects. The New Zealand Racing Board allocated $142 million, mostly to support racing club activities and infrastructure. Casinos paid just over $3 million to their community trusts.
In addition, gambling operators pay a levy from their profits to meet the costs of an integrated problem gambling strategy – estimated to be $54 million (GST exclusive) for the current 2013-16 levy period.
Media contact:
Trevor Henry, Senior Communications Adviser, Department of Internal Affairs
Phone: 04 495 7211 / 021 245 8642
