Racing was one of the topics among the hundreds of briefing documents to incoming ministers released late last week.
The racing briefing document outlines to Peters key changes the industry has undergone since his departure from the portfolio following the 2008 general election.
One of the most significant changes comes in the preferences TAB customers show through betting figures.
``Apart from a few high-profile race days, betting on New Zealand racing has become less popular than in the past,'' the report said.
``In contrast, betting on New Zealand-based and international sports is more popular.''
``Sports betting has increased from 9.5% of total betting in 2001-02 to 24.4% in 2015-16.''
The increase in sports betting is bad news for the racing sector on three fronts.
The increase means racing is losing its market share and, although the TAB still makes a profit on sports betting, it is at a lower rate of return to its parent, the New Zealand Racing Board, than totalisator betting.
The impact of the increased popularity of sports bets has had an impact on the betting profit margin which has reduced from 15% in 2008-09 to 12.4% in 2015-16.
The report also suggests how under Peters' leadership the NZRB should consider how New Zealand will counter the impact of the Australia Interactive Gambling Act.
Under the new law, betting agencies are banned from taking bets in Australia unless the operator is licensed there.
The TAB is not licensed in Australia, which means it has voluntarily geo-blocked Australians as well as New Zealanders travelling there from accessing the TAB's website.
The report echoes what has long been heard in the industry - that the Racing Amendment Bill is the great saviour to its problems. The long-awaited legislative change had its first reading only days before Parliament was dissolved before of this year's election.
It was then referred to the Primary Production Committee.
The briefing report outlines how the NZRB will boost its coffers by making offshore betting operators pay a fair share for the use of New Zealand racing and sports as betting products, if it is made law.
Another challenge highlighted by the ministerial briefing is how the community-based nature of the administration of some racing clubs can impact on the industry.
Some of those have experienced a drop in volunteer numbers and a lack of investment in their facilities.
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To anybody with half a brain understands that Racing is very much now a Sunset Industry! I used to be a serious punter but not any more. I could make a list of many reasons why! but will stick to 3. 1) Betting Taxes. absolutely diabolical. Punters will recall how when Winston was minister last time that he and Labour lowered the tax take! HOW MUCH DID PUNTERS GET There was a small 1% drop on Win & Place! Which was quickly reversed! the take out of most excotic, which are heavenly promoted, are just scary! No sane punter would touch them! 2) Watering of the Tracks in the lead up to any Race Meeting! I could list the many meetings that have been abandoned too this policy! As well as making the tracks often unsafe, that is proven! by 'sending the little people around' to slip slide... Lots of Integrity being shown by doing that!! The form at so many meetings now doesn't stack up because of this over watering! 3) Trackside and the move to SKY (a paying platform), the betting suggest that was wrong! our house often had Trackside running when it was on 'free to air', locals would have a look, some showing interest! Not anymore! The promise of better coverage did not happen!
