27 November 2006

Anderton congratulates CCC on confirming ban

Jim Anderton today congratulated the Christchurch City Council for confirming its decision to ban new gaming machines.

Councillors voted unanimously on Thursday to maintain the moratorium on new gaming machines. They had received 2000 submissions on the issue and 98 per cent opposed lifting the ban, which had been imposed in 2004.

Earlier this year Mr Anderton said "I hope the Council sees sense on this issue and maintains the moratorium. Problem gambling has significant economic, social and health costs. These include financial costs, effects on productivity and employment, crime, personal and family impacts and treatment costs. It causes more deprivation and sadness for families that have adult members who are hooked."

Mr Anderton had said that lifting the moratorium would increase the number of gaming machines in Christchurch. “But more specifically, they will go into the areas where people are least able to afford to gamble. Research is showing us loud and clear that those most hard up are most attracted to this type of gambling and the gaming machines end up in their suburbs.”

The Council’s decision to maintain the moratorium was an important step to making a positive impact on problem gambling. “No responsible, elected body should think that fewer gambling machines is anything but good news," Jim Anderton said.

ENDS

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