After months of negotiation, Sky City and the New Zealand government have come to an agreement on their convention centre deal. The casino operator will build the $402 million venue in return for 230 poker machines and an extension of its gambling license. The deal has come under fire many times, and there was doubt…
Tag Archive: New Zealand casino news
NZ Politician Wants Pokies to Host Facial Recognition Technology
Facial recognition cameras are being touted as a means of reducing problem gambling rates across New Zealand. Installed in poker machines, the cameras would instantly identify problem gamblers and prevent them from wagering. Maori Party MP Te Ururoa Flavell has suggested the idea, and local politicians seem to be interested in its potential. Facial recognition…
Whangarei Upholds Sinking Lid Policy
At the end of March, the Whangarei District Council met to discuss its Class 4 Gaming bylaws. The council was wanted to determine whether or not it would uphold the local sinking lid policy on poker machines. The issue was heavily debated at the meeting, but the council finally decided that the best course of…
Will Whangarei Maintain Its Sinking Lid Policy?
Today, Whangarei District Council will meet to discuss its Class 4 Gambling Bylaws. One of the important issues that is up for discussion is whether or not to maintain its sinking lid policy on pokies – and responsible gambling groups are urging council members to continue reducing the number of poker machines in the area….
Sports Clubs Wary About Pokies Harm Reduction Bill
Sports organizations are just one of the entities that benefit from poker machine profits. So, while the potential of a decrease in pokies across New Zealand could bear negative consequences for sports clubs, the new Harm Reduction Bill aims to protect them. According to the bill’s author, MP Te Ururoa Flavell, sports clubs have started…
Auckland’s New Pokies to Bring in Hundreds of Millions
In Auckland, city councillors have traded off the $350 million construction of a new convention centre for 500 new pokies at Sky City Auckland. The deal has upset many local residents, but Sky City is none too concerned, as the casino operator will be making a pretty penny by building the centre. It may have…
Star Casino’s Inquiry Must be Carried Out in Public
After the head of the Star Casino, Sid Vaikunta, was fired due to allegations of sexual harassment, the government and the casino operator have become embroiled in a bitter media battle. The two entities are accusing each other of committing troublesome and even illegal acts, causing the inquiry into the matter to now be carried…