Sinking lid on pokies a victory for the people of Auckland

The ‘No More Pokies’ community coalition wants to congratulate Auckland Council on voting for a sinking lid on pokies.

Tony Milne, National Manager of Public Health at the Problem Gambling Foundation, says they are delighted at the decision.

“This is a victory for Auckland and a victory against pokies, the most harmful form of gambling,” he says.

“The people of Auckland have made it quite clear that they don’t want more pokies in their communities. The Council’s vote for a sinking lid and their rejection of the Convention Centre for pokies deal is a reflection of this.”

“Over 10,000 people spoke out against more pokies and their views have been listened to.”

A sinking lid policy means no new licenses can be granted for pokie venues and machines can’t be transferred if a venue closes.
That means that over time, the number of venues and pokie machines will reduce.

The ‘No More Pokies Auckland’ campaign, endorsed by more than 20 organisations, was launched in January with the aim to encourage people to ‘say no to more pokies’ and ‘choose a sinking lid’.

ENDS

The No More Pokies Auckland campaign is endorsed by the following organisations:

The Anglican Diocese of Auckland, Asian Family Services at the Problem Gambling Foundation, Changing Minds, Child Poverty Action Group, Every Child Counts, the Gambling Helpline, Hapai Te Hauora Tapui Maori Public Health, Mapu Maia (Pasifika Unit at the Problem Gambling Foundation), the Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand, Methodist Mission Aotearoa, Otara Health Charitable Trust, Papakura Marae, Public Health Association (PHA), the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand, the Salvation Army, South Auckland Family Violence Prevention Network (SAFVPN), South Seas Healthcare, Transitioning Out Aotearoa (TOA), UNICEF NZ and Whare Tiaki Hauora. 

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