Community Asked for Pokie Machine Views

Hastings District residents are being asked how they feel about pokie machines in a survey that will help Hastings District Council review its gambling policy.

Hastings District currently has 369 pokie machines operating over 25 gambling venues, with a limit of 5.1 pokie machines per 1,000 people for the district.

Councils monitor gambling activities in their areas and Hastings District Council is currently updating its policies for venue gambling.

A survey is being randomly distributed to 300 households across the Hastings District, while other people wishing to participate can fill out an online survey at www.hastingsdc.govt.nz/gambling

The survey aims to gauge public opinion on issues such as; how many pokie machines are appropriate for the district and what areas are appropriate for pokie machines.

Development and Environment Chair, Councillor Norm Speers, says following the last national review one third of territorial authorities moved to provide fewer gaming opportunities while only 15% moved to provide more. The remainder made no change.

“There is a national trend towards a reduction in pokie machines. The number of machines operating across New Zealand decreased by 183 between June 2009 and September 2009,” Cr Speers says.

“However, there is a balance to be struck with gaming machines providing the bulk of charitable trust funding. That money pays for sporting activities, charities, arts and culture and education in our community.

“It is widely acknowledged that gambling is highly addictive. Twenty-six percent of regular pokie machine players are problem gamblers and statistics show their addiction is likely to affect the lives of five to seven others,” Cr Speers says.

Council’s policy must take the social impacts of gambling into account and currently aims to provide gambling opportunities in the district while minimising harm from gambling.