Law change could allow betting on TV contests

How about YOU think before you type? You could bet on the overall outcome (i.e. who would win the entire event) before any shows were broadcast. Also, some shows are recorded week to week, which gives a window of time to place bets on the event before anyone gains prior knowledge of the outcome. They'll just close the bets when the show is recorded and you'll have to sit and wait until you watch the result a few days later. If that period of time wasn't available then why would they bother offering voting (i.e. NZ Idol, Flailing Around with the Stars, etc). Think it over, it'll make sense if you try.

Are you trying to be funny or do you need to take your own advice?

It would only work if the show is live. If it hasn't been filmed what are the bets going to be based on? Profile photos of contests?

"Think before you type"

The argument that agencies like Centerbet is leaching money from the NZ economy & therefore lets make gambling more acceptable by allowing betting on TV programmes, is a bottom-feeders wet dream. Not only are we potentially endorsing gambling, but we are potentially endorsing TV watching! Gambling is an acceptable vice, so I don't have a big problem with this proposal conceptually. The trouble comes when, just like any other vice, we get people hooked at one end & abuse of the system at the other end. Im sure NZ's economy will survive without TV programme gambling. Whats really happening is the NZ racing board is just seeking another govt sanctioned way to feather their own nests. - Bloody bottom feeders. Rangi

.. you can bet on the overall result before its filmed. Think before you type

That is a great point. People will definately have inside information

I fully agree with your comments. We have enough outlets available for gambling already ... we don't need more, nor do we need more problem gamblers.

Brent: I agree with you 100%. The biggest problem with using a logical argument like yours is that the economists measure GDP and not true economic output.

Anything that causes money to flow, even if it does nothing useful, contributes to the GDP and thus the government take that as a win.

At the same time, unpaid volunteers in organisations such as Plunkett, Playcentre and others do not contribute to the GDP but really strengthen the backbone of society.

The economists will just look at the GDP numbers to make their decisions.

I hope that they don't open up NZ's gambling legislation. There are enough problems with gambling now, and the associated loan sharks etc. who go with it.

why endorse gambling when we have so many ads on tv saying its destroying us?

I don't have a gambling problem. And even if I did I'll bet you $2000 I could stop.

Seriously, I hate it when all users of gambling/alcohol get lumped in with the unfortunates/ignorants who can't/wont say Stop.