PRESS RELEASE

Rt. Hon Winston Peters
Leader NZ First

January 20 2012

Social “Wreckage” Created by Gaming Moves - Peters

New Zealand First has accused the government of leaving a legacy of social wreckage for future generations to clean up, through the deregulation of the gaming industry.

Sky City is poised to negotiate 900 -1000 new poker machines, additional gaming tables and looser controls on how gambling is advertised in New Zealand in return for establishing a $350m convention centre.

Rt Hon Winston Peters says that gambling is a scourge of communities, preying on families and at-risk individuals throughout New Zealand.

“Deregulation to allow greater advertising of gambling will significantly impact on families, communities and the most vulnerable in society,” says Mr Peters.

“This is a good deal for Sky City but a raw deal for the community and taxpayers”

Mr Peters says that these deals negotiated by the government drops it into the pockets of the gaming industry.

“The government is gambling with the future of New Zealand and the people will be the losers,” says Mr Peters.

ENDS

© Scoop Media