9 August 2012

Councils called on to follow Auckland’s lead over pokies

The Green Party is calling on other councils to follow Auckland Council’s lead and support a Member’s Bill that would restructure the community pokie industry.

And Green Party gambling spokesperson Denise Roche said she hoped Auckland Council would take a similar stand against plans for more pokies at SkyCity.

In its submission on Māori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell’s bill, the Auckland Council states that reform of the community pokies sector is “urgently required” and that “less scrupulous trusts” are acting outside the law.

“It’s great that Auckland has taken this brave step and acknowledged that councils have a role in deciding if they want more pokies in their community, and in ensuring pokie proceeds are returned to the communities they’re taken from,” Ms Roche said.

“I challenge other councils to take a similar stand in support of their communities. Their voices are needed to counter the fear campaign mounted by gaming trusts that are fighting for their very existence.

“Researchers estimate about half of the profits from pokie machines are generated from problem gamblers, whether they gamble in their local pub or at a casino.

“Auckland does not need more pokies and the Council should also stand up against Government plans to subvert the Gambling Act to allow hundreds more machines at SkyCity.

“We also hope that the Auckland Council will lend its support to Green Co-leader Metiria Tūrei’s bill that recovers stolen money from casinos that benefit from crime, if that is drawn from the ballot,” Ms Roche said.

ENDS

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