Now that SkyCity’s convention centre deal has been approved, it is important for local residents and responsible gambling advocates to understand how its provisions will affect the community. One of the major concerns is that it will lead to an increase in problem gambling rates. Professor Max Abbott, Director of AUT’s Gambling and Addictions Research Centre, has offered up some insight into this issue.
First, Professor Abbott notes that the arguments on either side of the SkyCity convention centre deal are polarized. Proponents for and against the deal have both made exaggerated claims, and the situation is not that black-and-white. While there are many downsides to the deal, there are also some positive aspects. It is important to consider both.
With regards to the potential increase in problem gambling rates, Professor Abbott cites a previous study that show each additional poker machine will result in one new problem gambler. However, this study was based on the analyses of other research findings, and Professor Abbott notes that we will only now if this theory is true by monitoring activity at SkyCity Auckland.
He has expressed a similar opinion about harm minimisation measures, which could include pre-commitment, facial recognition technology and the monitoring of player activity. They could either be effective or completely useless – but we won’t know for sure until they are put to work.
“SkyCity’s harm minimisation measures could be moderately effective; equally they could be largely window-dressing, giving the impression that something positive is being done when in fact it isn’t,” Professor Abbott says.
“No one will know unless there is on-going independent evaluation”. The SkyCity convention centre deal is truly unique, and no amount of speculation will provide accurate insight into how the community will be effected by the addition of new pokies and table games. The entire situation should be monitored by gambling researchers and politicians.
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