Poll Shows Strong Support For ‘Sinking Lid’ On Pokies In Auckland

An overwhelming majority of Aucklanders believe the city has too many pokies and want to see the Council adopt a sinking lid policy according to a new poll being released today.

The poll result will be presented at 4pm today at Auckland Council’s gambling policy review hearings being held at the Civic Building, 1 Greys Ave, Auckland.

Of the 500 Aucklanders that were polled, 74.8% said there were too many pokies in Auckland. Just 0.4% said there were not enough, and 12.8% were unsure.

When asked their views on a ‘sinking lid’ policy on pokies, 76.9% supported a ‘sinking lid’ (44% strongly supported, 32.9% supported). Just 11.5% opposed a ‘sinking lid’ (1.6% strongly opposed, 9.9% opposed).

Tony Milne, National Manager of Public Health for the Problem Gambling Foundation, says this poll is consistent with other referenda, polls and surveys on New Zealanders views on pokies.

“People think there are too many pokie machines and want policies put in place to reduce them”, he said.

“Not only did 10,258 people and organisations (99% of submissions) submit to Council in favour of a ‘sinking lid’ on pokies, but this poll shows that Aucklanders overwhelmingly support a ‘sinking lid’ policy”.

“We are encouraging the Council to listen to this result, say no to more pokies and choose a healthier future for our children,” Tony Milne said.

“Respondents to this survey were from an independently operated, research-only online panel. The sample was 500 people from the Auckland region, aged 18 and over, representative by age group, gender and area. The Margin of Error was +- 4.4% at the 95% confidence level.”

ENDS

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