For months, Auckland residents have worked hard to convince the local council to impose a sinking lid policy on poker machines. After reviewing nearly 10000 submissions, Auckland Council has decided that introducing a sinking lid policy in the city would be an effective way to reduce problem gambling rates.

“This is a victory for Auckland and a victory against pokies, the most harmful form of gambling,” says Tony Milne, National Manager of Public Health at the Problem Gambling Foundation. “The people of Auckland have made it quite clear that they don’t want more pokies in their communities. The Council’s vote for a sinking lid and their rejection of the Convention Centre for pokies deal is a reflection of this.”

A responsible gambling advocacy group called No More Pokies collected more than 9000 submissions from individuals across the city that supported a sinking lid policy. For several months, council members have weighed the options, deciding that the best course of action would be to limit the number of poker machines that would be allowed in the city.

The sinking lid policy will only affect non-casino venues. At stand-alone TAB venues, only 43 pokies will be permitted. Additionally, clubs that wish to relocate will not be permitted to take their pokies with them – and they will not be able to offload them to other venue owners. Clubs that decide to merge will not be able to take all of their games with them. T

hey will have to eliminate some machines, as merged venues will also be subjected to a cap. Combined, these new provisions will help to reduce problem gambling rates across Auckland. Over the course of the past few years gambling addiction has become prevalent, and it is up to local politicians to take a stand and encourage players to gamble responsibly.

With fewer pokies in the local gambling market, it is hoped that players will be discouraged from wagering – but only time will tell how effective the measures will be.

About the Author

George Anderson
Author George, has over 25+ years’ experience in the Pokies and Casinos industry throughout Australia and New Zealand. Loves to research new Pokies games on the block and follows announcements from top industry providers about their upcoming releases. As soon as a new interesting pokie game appears on his radar, George is there to check it out and give you the scoop before anyone else and tell you about all casino sites where can play the latest game. Before this gig, George worked as Pokie game tester, making him an ideal candidate for this genre of work. He is also an animal lover and a proud owner of three dogs.