New Zealand gambling spend up to NZ$2.33bn in 2017

Consumers in New Zealand spent NZ$2.33bn (€1.39bn/US$1.71bn) on gaming and gambling in the 2016-17 financial year, up 5.7% on the previous 12 months.

Figures released by New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs show punters spent NZ$125m more than the previous year.

Non-casino gaming machines remain the main source of income for operators in the country, with total spend up 3.1% year-on-year to NZ$843m.

Spending on lotteries increased the most during the 12-month period, with the take up 26.8% from NZ$342m to NZ$437m, due to changes to Lotto games that helped to deliver more winners and larger ‘Powerball’ prizes.

The take from TAB racing and sports betting dropped 1.3% to NZ$342m in the 2016-17 financial year, while the take from New Zealand’s six casinos also fell 2.4% to NZ$586m.

As a result, communities were able to benefit from an estimated NZ$722m in the period, equal to 30.9% of total gambling expenditure during the year.

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