Green light for online Lotto sales

The Government has given the green light to online Lotto sales.

Internal Affairs Minister Rick Barker today announced the Government had decided to allow NZ Lotteries to sell Lotto, Powerball, Strike, Big Wednesday and Keno via the internet.

Critics of online gambling have cited it as a major potential cause of problem gambling.

But Mr Barker said several safeguards would be put in place around the NZ Lotteries products to help users gamble responsibly.

Players would be required to register online, would be limited to one account and would be required to set their own weekly and monthly spending limits, which could not be exceeded.

"Players will also be able to see how much they have won or lost over the year.

"NZ Lotteries will monitor players who consistently spend to the maximum and will contact them to offer support and problems gambling helpline information."

Mr Barker said the online system would be a big improvement on existing retail sales where there was little chance to monitor behaviour or identify problems.

NZ Lotteries is yet to set a date for the launch of any online products.

- NZPA