Council votes to continue sinking lid for pokie machines
Stuff co.nz 14 October 2020
Family First Comment: Great decision!
“According to a report to the committee more than half the people in Auckland seeking treatment for gambling addictions are from south Auckland. And just over half of those seeking help are gaming machine users.”
Auckland Council has voted to keep its sinking lid policy for pokie machines in the region.
The council’s Regulatory Committee agreed to continue with the policy at its meeting on Tuesday and deputy chairperson Josephine Bartley said it was the only option it had to prevent new pokie machine venues opening.
“I’m pleased we’re keeping the sinking lid, but personally speaking, gambling causes so much harm … there is more that needs to be done,” she said. “More support is needed for addicts and their families.”
According to a report to the committee more than half the people in Auckland seeking treatment for gambling addictions are from south Auckland. And just over half of those seeking help are gaming machine users.
Under the Gambling Act 2003 Auckland Council must have its own gambling venue policy and set out whether the council will allow new venues to be established and if so, where they can be located.
READ MORE: https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-democracy-reporting/300132686/council-votes-to-continue-sinking-lid-for-pokie-machines
