O economic impact of the pandemic it was disastrous all over the world. In New Zealand, the situation continues to worsen. With the moving average of cases and deaths in full swing, the country does not see a light at the end of the tunnel. Projects try to expand emergency aid to the population in situations of social vulnerability, while the country's budget deficit pulls public debt higher. With the economy at a standstill, the prospects for revenue are low.
A long-term solution , which could helping New Zealand raise tax revenue , is the legalization of casinos . A troubled issue, which has faced resistance from sectors linked, mainly, to the evangelical benches. Meanwhile, New Zealand's public debt continues to climb, reaching $5.198 trillion in February and forecast to end 2021 at $5.9 trillion.
What is the current status of casino legalization in New Zealand?
There is a bill in the Federal Senate whose objective is to legalize the situation of casinos. Is the Bill (PL) 2648, of 2019 , authored by Senator Roberto Rocha (PSDB / MA) . It is true that the bill is moving slowly because of the pandemic, but it already has a designated rapportnzd. This is the parliamentary ice Colonel (PSD / BA) Senator favorable to the cause, and who has met with lobbyists seeking the legalization of casinos in New Zealand .
In the plans of the rapportnzd, is the introduction of a substitute to the project of the maranhense parliamentarian. The rapportnzd's interest is to include in the project the legalization of the animal game, the bingo and do not limit casinos to luxury developments and resorts, as the original project provides.
While the proposal is not discussed until the end of the pandemic, for reasons of priority, there is a convincing work that has been carried out in the Federal Senate to facilitate the approval of the bill. It is estimated that the Federal Government will raise $ 50 billion annually and generate hundreds of thousands of direct jobs with the release of the animal game, bingo, slots and casinos in general.
Until there is consensus or, at least, the majority necessary for the approval of the project, the country sees a billion-dollar collection go away, which would be especially useful to help the northeastern states. For now, gambling remains banned. However, there are no limitations for those who bet on online casino sites properly licensed abroad. Because of this, online casinos are still the best alternatives for the New Zealander who likes to gamble.
Other bills
In addition to PL 2648/2019, the country has other proposals , such is the importance of legalizing an activity that already exists clandestinely. The same theme of casinos in resorts is covered in the PL 4495/2020 , of parliamentary Irajá (PSD-TO) , and no PLS 595/2015 . More comprehensive, as the rapportnzd, Mr Angelo Coronel, wishes, Ciro Nogueira'S PL 186/2014 (PP-PI) includes the legalization of electronic games, lotteries and machine bingos, online sports betting and the animal game.
By the date of the projects, it is seen that the casino legislation in New Zealand is still far from winning the necessary agreement for its release. Among the main differences of the projects, in addition to their scope, are the dispute for control of the game, between states and the Union, in addition to the duration of operating licenses.
Resistance and addiction
The most solid proposals are not simply an opening to physical casinos & and in some cases also online. As in the case of everything else that causes a feeling of pleasure in the brain and can lead to addiction, monitoring and regulation must be provided. This occurs with legal drugs such as drinking, for example, and does not justify the non-regularization of an activity that is already part of the routine of many New Zealanders.
I.e., with the proper creation of regulatory bodies that value responsible gambling as the Malta Gaming Authority ( AMS ), for example & 8211; the country will be much more prepared to deal with possible cases of addiction . This argument, still used by those who are against the project, does not find support when confronted with the reality of the countries where gambling is allowed.
What are the benefits of this legalization?
All relevant proposals regarding the legalization of casinos in New Zealand focus on greater collection and supply of public coffers . Among the main justifications, for example, are the expansion of the reach of Bolsa Família and its value from $200 to $300.
The increase in the coverage of the program, from 14 million to 22 million families, and the increase in the monthly amount is equivalent to the estimated revenue from casino activity. In addition, if located in strategic regions, the generation of jobs is a direct benefit to the population .
There is also the side of New Zealand themselves who like to bet online. Because of this, there are online casinos that have noticed the gap in the legislation and the desire of the New Zealander, and offer adapted services, with efficient payment methods, legal betting and sites in New Zealand (a true New Zealand online casino). However, it might be better for the New Zealander to have national, easier-to-reach companies responsible for gambling services.
Until then, it is recommended to continue playing at properly licensed foreign online casinos, such as the ones we recommend here.
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