This is an HTML version of an attachment to the Official Information request 'Gambling elements in video games (‘Loot Boxes’)'.



To: Lloyd Bezett
Subject: RE: Loot boxes
 
Agreed, nice illustration of subjective worth.
 
Presumably if Joe could purchase a Mei skin for less than the cost of 10 loot boxes he would,
 
Does this mean that a Mei skin has objective value if it is can be marketed?
 
Is it then “moneys worth”?
 
From: Lloyd Bezett 
Sent: Thursday, 23 November 2017 10:18 AM
To: Mark Thornton
Subject: Loot boxes
 
 
ACT 1982
Joe buys 10 loot boxes. He is hoping to get a legendary Mei skin and cares not for any other
content inside the boxes. If he does get the Mei skin, he will feel his money was well spent. If he
doesnt, then he has gambled on getting that specific item and lost.
However, Jane buys 10 loot boxes. She isnt looking for anything in particular. Anything she
accumulates is a net win for her. So it does not matter what she gets, she feels the money is well
spent.
INFORMATION 
In both cases, 10 loot boxes were purchased. Nothing about the mechanics of the lootboxes
changed. Only the subjective nature of what is considered 'of value' to those participating in it.
 
 
 
Lloyd Bezett
 | Senior Policy Advisor  | Operational Policy | Regulatory Services
The Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwhenua
Direct Dial: +64 4 495 9367 | Extn: 5367
147 Lambton Quay | PO Box 805, Wellington 6140, New Zealand |  www.dia.govt.nz  
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We interviewed the Problem Gāmbling Foundātion ānd ā psychologist who speciālises in video
gāme āddiction – here’s ā write-up of the story from The Wireless:
http://thewireless.co.nz/ārticles/āre-video-gāmes-turning-young-people-into-gāmblers
The reāson I’m following up is becāuse the stāte of Victoriā hās joined the throng of
governments (Belgium ānd Hāwāii) thāt āre voicing concern ābout the prāctice becāuse it’s
encourāging children to gāmble.
I’m wondering if the depārtment here is looking into this, ānd if ā spokesperson would be
āvāilāble for ān interview on our show next Wednesdāy to tālk ābout New Zeālānd’s stānce on
this mātter?
Kind regārds,
1982
Section 9(2)(a) of the OIA
 | Producer – Nine to Noon
ACT 
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Logo-test
I work Tuesday,Wednesday and Thursday. If your inquiry is urgent please contact Emma Blackmore
([email address]).Otherwise I will deal with it when I'm next in the office.

From: Gareth Bostock 
Sent: Wednesday, 14 February 2018 10:58 AM
To: Trevor Henry
Cc: Trish Millward; Media Internal Affairs; Tomas Kriha
Subject: RE: Nine to Noon query
Hi Trevor
No update from the below.
1982
Nga mihi
ACT 
Gareth
Gareth Bostock,  Director
Gambling Compliance Group
Te Tari Taiwhenua Department of Internal Affairs
Mobile: +64 27 441 3601
45 Pipitea Street | PO Box 805, Wellington 6140, New Zealand |  www.dia govt.nz  
INFORMATION 
Logo-test
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From: Trevor Henry 
Sent: Wednesday, 14 February 2018 10:41 AM
To: Gareth Bostock
UNDER 
Cc: Trish Millward; Media Internal Affairs; Tomas Kriha
Subject: FW: Nine to Noon query
Morning Gareth:
We have had this follow-up query about Loot Boxes. Is there any update on the response sent by Trish in December
or is this the current situation?
RELEASED 
https://dia.cohesion.net.nz/Sites/COM/MED/MediaEnquiries/Loot%20boxes%20and%20gambling%20_1r8sqe32.msg
Trevor Henry
Senior Communications Adviser
The Department of Internal Affairs
Direct Dial: +64 4 495 7211 (extn 5211)
Mobile: +64 21 245 8642
email:[email address]
www.dia.govt.nz


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www radionz.co nz
1982
Radio New Zealand Disclaimer
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Emails sent by Radio New Zealand Limited (RNZ) or any related entity, including any attachments, may be
confidential, protected by copyright and/or subject to privilege. If you receive an email from RNZ in error,
please inform the sender immediately, delete it from your system and do not use, copy or disclose any of the
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Document 16
From:
Mark Thornton
To:
Lloyd Bezett
Subject:
Gambling commssion quote
Date:
Wednesday, 29 November 2017 10:22:04 AM
Attachments:
image003.jpg
In our view, the ability to convert in-game items into cash, or to trade them (for other items of
value), means
they attain a real world value and become articles of money or money’s worth.
Dr Mark Thornton | Senior Advisor Operational Policy    
The Department of Internal Affairs Te Tari Taiwhenua    
Direct Dial: +64 4 495 6086 | Extn: 5186 | Mobile: +64 21 0690 443  
147 Lambton Quay | PO Box 805, Wellington 6140, New Zealand |  www.dia.govt.nz
Update your email signature to the Coat of Arms
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Document 17
From:
Lloyd Bezett
To:
Mark Thornton
Subject:
Document3
Date:
Wednesday, 29 November 2017 12:21:48 PM
Attachments:
Document3.docx
First words for a ministerial.
Thoughts?
Lloyd
ACT 1982
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Document 19
From:
Lloyd Bezett
To:
Mark Thornton
Subject:
Document3
Date:
Wednesday, 29 November 2017 2:25:48 PM
Attachments:
Document3.docx
Time to play with our words again.
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Section 9(2)(b) of the Gambling Act 2003 prohibits remote interactive gambling. The
definition of remote interactive gambling includes "gambling by a person at a distance
by interaction through a communication device."
Communication devices include such things as computers, telephones, radios and similar
devices. To fall into the definition of gambling the participant must pay something to
participate (directly or indirectly) and there must be an element of chance in order to win
money or a prize. The prohibition would include selling lottery tickets on the Internet
and would also include a New Zealand casino website.
There are several exemptions to this general rule:
Sales promotions in the form of a lottery and conducted in New Zealand are excluded from the ban on
remote interactive gambling. However, sales promotions that are not lotteries may fall under the
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definition of remote interactive gambling.
The Lotteries Commission and the Racing Board can conduct approved forms of remote interactive
gambling.
ACT 
The Game runs on a gambling system randomizing prizes that are purchased with real money, this is done at
a distance.
Here is a break down of how it works:
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