16 January 2019

Media Release: Anglican Action opposes new pokies at casino

The recent request for 60 more pokie machines to the Skycity Hamilton Casino will do little benefit to our city compared to the harm it will cause according to Anglican Action Chief Executive Karen Morrison-Hume.

“We cannot ignore the harm caused by gambling. More machines will only widen the gap between the haves and the have nots and make it worse for people already struggling. The Casino has 339 machines now, isn’t that enough? Will we be here again in five, ten years challenging another 50 machines?” Morrison-Hume says.

This request by Skycity brings back long memories of standing up for the community for the Anglican Action leader.

“Years ago we were there when the community rallied against the casino being built, and we expect to see our community and church leaders once more standing together for the wellbeing of our city and citizens” Morrison-Hume says.

“It’s disappointing that we have to keep fighting this sort of thing, it’s disappointing that there is no opportunity for broader public input into the process, and it’s disappointing for the members of our community who will have their money siphoned away by these machines” Morrison-Hume says.

“With only around 2% of their cash-grab returned the community through grants let’s not pretend this does anything for community wellbeing, this is big business and big profits” Morrison-Hume says.

Morrison-Hume was recently awarded the Hamilton City Council Freedom of the City award alongside former Hamilton Mayor Russ Rimmington. Both were active opponents of the construction of the Riverside Casino at its inception.

Anglican Action as a matter of principle does not apply for or accept the proceeds of gambling.

ENDS

© Scoop Media