What will a ban on greyhound racing mean for the gambling industry?

This episode of RNZ's All Programmes examines the impending ban on greyhound racing in New Zealand, exploring its implications for the gambling industry and broader societal attitudes toward gambling. Max Rashbrook, a senior research fellow at Victoria University of Wellington, argues that the ban is a positive step driven by growing animal welfare concerns and the disproportionate influence of lobbying within the racing sector. He highlights how the industry has historically received preferential treatment through subsidies, while the harms—such as gambling addiction and financial strain on communities—are widely dispersed and under-recognized. Rashbrook also critiques the moral complexity of gambling, noting that while it's a near-universal human behavior, modern technology has amplified its risks, especially through instant, anonymous access via smartphones and online platforms. He raises concerns about corporate concentration of power, particularly with Entain’s monopoly over sports betting and its pursuit of online casino licenses, as well as the ethical issues surrounding prediction markets and the exploitation of vulnerable users, such as children spending large sums on in-game purchases. The discussion ultimately underscores a tension between cultural tradition, economic interests, and the need for stronger regulation in the digital age.