In a surprising turn of events, National Party MP Nicola Willis has thrown her support behind the idea of implementing a tax on online gambling in New Zealand. In an interview with RNZ, Willis expressed her belief that the estimates of the black market for online gambling in the country are “good” and that it is time for the government to take action to regulate this industry.
According to Willis, the current lack of regulation in the online gambling sector has led to a significant amount of money being lost to the black market. She argues that implementing a tax on online gambling would not only help to curb this illegal activity but also provide much-needed revenue for the government.
Willis also touched on the potential social and economic benefits of regulating online gambling in New Zealand. She pointed out that a tax on online gambling could be used to fund addiction support services and raise awareness about the risks associated with gambling.
However, Willis acknowledged that there are challenges to implementing a tax on online gambling, including the need to work with international companies that operate in the sector. She emphasized the importance of finding a balance between regulating the industry and ensuring that it remains competitive and accessible to New Zealanders.
Overall, Willis’s support for taxing online gambling marks a significant shift in the debate around this issue in New Zealand. With increasing concerns about the prevalence of illegal online gambling and the potential for harm to individuals and communities, it seems that the time may be ripe for the government to take action and regulate this industry.
