The Online Casino Gambling Bill in its current form poses a major risk to the future funding of community sport. 

Everyone connected to a community sports club needs to understand what's at stake and submit against the Bill. 

The deadline is 17 August 2025 - be part of a collective football voice and make a submission. 

How this affects football clubs

Many football clubs rely on funding support from Class 4 Trusts that distribute gaming machine money back into the community. 

Essentially, the Bill removes the principle that gambling profits should in part be re-invested in the communities they came from. It regulates online gambling, which is good, but puts no obligation on the licensees to provide community funding. As more gambling moves from pokies to online, the overall pot available for clubs to access is reduced. 

NRF strongly opposes moves to do away with the long-held principle that gambling profits are shared with the community. 

Make your own submission 

• We need as many football people as possible to make their own submission opposing the bill 
  • You can use this form to make your submission
  • Read this guidance pack with background information and instructions, including a sample letter you can use as a template
  • Include examples of what this funding allows your club community to achieve, and what’s at risk if it’s diminished 

Get help with your submission 

• Here’s an explainer on the legislative process for sports organisations 

NZF and NRF will be making submissions alongside other national and regional bodies, football Federations and clubs throughout New Zealand. If you need help or have questions, just get in touch.  

With funding so tight for many clubs, any moves to reduce its availability is a major threat to how we operate and deliver football to our members. Thank you for playing your part and submitting against this Bill in its current format.

Read New Zealand Football's update. 

Article added: Friday 08 August 2025