Have your say on Gambling
 
Submissions close next Friday on the Gambling Amendment Act but more substantial changes are needed for it to meet the Gambling Act’s original intention.
 
Downtown Community Ministry Director Stephanie McIntyre says, “We want to see venue licences reviewed annually and we’re astounded that venues operating prior to 2001 are protected from the consent process. 
 
“We’re also concerned at the lack of initiative being made to prevent and minimise gambling harm despite proven options being available. For example, the use of Pre-commit cards in use in Australia act as the equivalent of a seatbelt for Pokie machine users and help prevent excessive gambling.”  
 
Many DCM clients admit to current or past problem gambling behaviour through the use of pokie machines and TAB betting.

Problem gambling is a known contributor to lifestyles of debt, crime and homelessness.
 
DCM supports the Problem Gambling Foundation's view that a more robust review of the Gambling Act is needed.
 
Those interested in making a submission calling for this can contact Downtown Community Ministry or go to www.askthepeople.org.nzfor more information. 
 
In June 2001 DCM was proud to announce its decision to no longer seek nor accept funds derived from gambling activities.
 
This decision came from the conviction that gambling and problem gambling in particular carries with it a high social cost and as an agency seeking increased wellbeing in our city we could no longer benefit from, and indirectly endorse, the gambling/gaming industry.

 
ENDS