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Commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi

Table Tennis NZ recognises Te Tiriti o Waitangi as Aotearoa New Zealand’s founding document and is committed to upholding the mana of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the principles of Partnership, Protection and Participation.

Policy 16: Gambling and Sport Betting

We want to protect the integrity of the sport and ensure everyone understands the rules governing all gambling and sports betting in Aotearoa New Zealand. Gambling and sport betting may be lawful and many people enjoy participating in these activities. However, gambling and sport betting may also be unlawful or harmful. We want to keep Table Tennis NZ and the sport of Table Tennis a safe place for everyone involved, particularly our children, young people and vulnerable people. This policy is centred on the integrity of the sport and the integrity, respect and protection of all people involved in it.

This policy is aligned with the Anti-Match Fixing and Sports Betting Policy of Table Tennis NZ, outlined on the Table Tennis NZ website.

The following principles should be kept in mind when applying this policy:

  • Respect for the culture(s) of the people involved, including culturally appropriate processes.
  • Treat others fairly, equally and in a way that keeps their mana intact.
  • Maintain relationships and keeping each other safe.

Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to give clear guidance on:

  • what is sport betting
  • what is gambling
  • the rules for sport betting and gambling in Aotearoa New Zealand. It aims to:
  • support people to follow the rules
  • support and protect Table Tennis NZ and its affiliated table tennis organisations when running fundraising activities involve gambling.

Sport Betting

Sport betting is when you place a bet on the result of an event or match. In Aotearoa New Zealand sport betting is controlled by the Racing Industry Act 2020. It is part of the TAB’s function to provide sport betting. Sport New Zealand and NSOs (National Sporting Organisations) will, from time to time have agreements with TAB to permit sport betting on named sporting events. It is legal to place sport bets on these events at the TAB. All sport betting is to be done at/through the TAB and not at Table Tennis NZ for the protection and integrity of Table Tennis NZ.

Gambling

Gambling is betting (i.e. placing money and trying to win more money) on the outcome of an activity where the outcome depends on luck. It covers all games of chance and is not limited to sporting events. Gambling includes activities like housie or bingo, raffles, lotteries and other games of chance, which are often activities employed in sport in order to raise funds. Gambling is controlled by the Gambling Act 2003.

If a fundraising activity involves chance or luck, you may need a license to operate that activity. Te Tari Taiwhenua/Department of Internal Affairs provides information fact sheets to help you operate your fundraiser legally.

For example, you will need a license to run a raffle if the total value of the prizes is more than $5,000. Another form of gambling is gaming machines, including pokie machines. Any sporting organisation that runs pokie machines requires a license. That license will have strict rules of operation. If you have any concerns about the operation of a pokie machine license you could contact your local Regional Sport Organisation (RSO), NSO, Sport New Zealand or Department of Internal Affairs.

Corruption

Unfortunately, where there is money, there can be corruption. Corruption is the abuse of power given to a person to work in the best interests of the sport, for private or personal gain. If you have concerns about corruption, we have an Anti-Corruption Policy to help you understand what it is and what you can do about it. The key thing to remember is that there is no place for it at Table Tennis NZ.

Problem Gambling Support

What is problem gambling?

Problem gambling is gambling that causes or could cause harm to the person gambling, to their family/whānau and the wider community. The harmful effects of problem gambling can include:

  • financial problems
  • problems at work (ranging from poor performance to fraud)
  • poor parenting and other relationship problems
  • family violence
  • alcohol abuse
  • mental health problems
  • suicide.

Problem gambling is a serious problem. If you have any concerns about gambling in Table Tennis in New Zealand, you can:

  • approach Table Tennis NZ for an informal chat
  • make a formal complaint under the Policy 19: Complaints, Disputes and Appeals
  • contact Sport New Zealand
  • contact Department of Internal Affairs.

Support services for problem gambling

There are many groups in the community to help you and to help the person you are concerned about. Here is a list of support services:

  • Problem Gambling Foundation of NZ 0800 664 262 or text 8006 Choice not Chance
  • 24-hour helpline 0800 654 655 or text 8006
  • The Salvation Army 0800 530 000
  • Māori Gambling Helpline 0800 654 656
  • Pasifika Gambling Helpline 0800 654 657
  • Youth Gambling Helpline 0800 654 659
  • Gambling Debt Helpline 0800 654 658
  • Problem Gambling Foundation Asian Hotline 0800 862 342

Version: February 2025

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