A New Zealand advisory committee has proposed allowing the TAB, the country’s primary gambling operator, to expand its offerings to include live betting and online pokies. This recommendation aims to revitalize the struggling racing industry, which faces financial difficulties. The proposal has drawn criticism from the Problem Gambling Foundation, raising concerns about increased gambling harm. Advocates argue the changes are necessary to secure the future of racing and associated jobs. The committee believes these measures will generate much-needed revenue for the industry. Implementation of the recommendations would require regulatory approval and could face public opposition due to the potential social costs associated with increased gambling accessibility. The move represents a high-stakes gamble to save a significant part of New Zealand’s sporting and cultural landscape.