Status quo for gambling policy

No changes will be made to Waipā District Council’s existing Gambling Policy, with the number of pokie machines permitted in the district staying the same despite a growing population.

The decision was made today following a 40-minute debate amongst members of the Council’s Strategic Policy and Planning Committee in which it was expressed that online gambling was a ‘sleeping giant’, and that the Government should introduce tighter online controls. There was also a call for venues to do whatever they can to reduce any instances of gambling harm.

In August, Council asked the community to share its views on specific rules around gaming machines, venues and TABs. There was 237 pieces of feedback received, plus informal comments on Council’s Facebook page. The feedback focused on the four key areas Council has control over:

• the total number of gaming machines (pokies)
• the number of new TAB venues.
• where gaming machine venues and/or TAB venues can be located.
• if gaming machines could be relocated

Most feedback (78%) came from individuals and indicated that:

• Around 53% support a sinking lid pokies policy (whereby pokie machines disappear when venues close);
• Around 58% supported limiting the number of new TAB venues;
• Around 53% supported more restrictions on where gambling venues could be located;
• Around 53% support Council’s existing relocation policy.

Today’s the committee was asked to consider two options: retain the existing policy or amend it. To amend the policy would require formal community consultation in accordance with a Special Consultation Procedure as required by Local Government Act 2002.

Mayor Susan O’Regan said she had been really heartened by the community sentiment in the feedback, and the concern shown around problem gambling.

“It really does show people are concerned for some of our most vulnerable members of the community,” she said.

There had been clear evidence that a sinking lid did not have an impact on the reduction of problem gambling, as problem gamblers would likely find another machine in a nearby location.

A status quo decision would be a ‘defacto sinking lid’ due to the number of machines staying the same and there being a growing population.

“There is no perfect model,” O’Regan said. “The status quo does benefit the community in terms of supporting community groups and not for profit agencies through current funding models, and for many of these groups there are little to no alternatives for funding.

“We cannot overlook the fact those groups and agencies play an integral role in the health and wellbeing of our district. They are the glue and very fabric of what makes Waipā such a great place to live.”

Currently, only 232 Class 4 pokie machines are allowed in Waipā. There are 72 in Cambridge, 36 in Leamington, 106 in Te Awamutu and 18 in Kihikihi.

The policy will be reviewed again in three years.