New Zealand’s government is pushing ahead with plans to restrict the ability of internationally licensed online gambling operators to offer wagers on local racing events.

On Thursday, Racing Minister Nathan Guy (pictured) announced plans to amend the Racing Act 2003 to boost the fortunes of the New Zealand Racing Board, which has long complained that its TAB betting product is getting its clock cleaned by the more attractive offerings available via international betting sites.

The proposed changes include a royalty fee for international betting operators who wish to use New Zealand race data. International operators will also face a point-of-consumption (POC) charge on wagers placed on Kiwi sports events with international operators.

The specifics of these charges won’t be revealed until the government submits new regulations to parliament – which the government says will be done “as soon as practicable” – but Guy suggested the POC rate will be in keeping with the 2% of betting turnover recommended by the Offshore Betting Working Group.