Waitaki’s District Council is currently in the process of formulating a sinking lid policy on gaming machines in the area, an initiative that seeks to mitigate gambling addiction and harm.
The council’s Class Four Gaming Venue and TAB Venue Policy will be put out for consultation in the near future, with five options to be presented to the community for their feedback.
Pokies in pubs and clubs fall under the definition of “class four” gambling, making them a target of the proposed sinking lid policy that states that when a class 4 gambling venue closes, the council will not issue a licence to another operator to replace that venue.
Existing licences may also not be transferred to other locations in the event of a venue’s closing. This would ultimately prevent the introduction of new gaming machine venues from opening, and gradually decrease the number of gaming venues and machines in the district.
Waitaki’s Mayor, Gary Kircher, stated emphatically that there was “no doubt” that numerous groups and organisations draw benefit from the existence of the machines in question, but that the social cost of addiction to gambling on these devices is unacceptable.
“Many people get to enjoy them as entertainment but, sadly, too many people are addicted as well,” he said.
The council will also present the option of maintaining the status quo, meaning that the current limit of 140 gaming machines and 22 venues, along with other restrictions would be kept in place.
There have been no proposed changes to the council’s TAB venue policy, however, two options will be offered as part of the consultation, which ends on March 1, 2022.
“We welcome the opportunity to get public feedback on gaming machines, as an important part of the review on Waitaki’s bylaw. Please take the time to have your say, good or bad, so we can make the best decision for our community,” Kircher added.
The council is only obliged to review its gambling policy every three years. This is, however, only a component of its duties, as demonstrated in 2021 when it embarked on an initiative to identify significant national areas with “outstanding and significant natural features” that would receive increased protection.
