This week, New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs made a submission for the Harm Minimisation Bill, requesting that pokies return more money to the community. Many responsible gambling advocates have backed the submission, but Mayoral candidate John Minto opposes the plan. Mr Minto has recently issued a statement on Scoop.co.nz, which criticizes Internal Affairs’ submission.

He claims that the plan would benefit the gambling market rather than helping families that have been negatively affected by problem gambling. Chris Tremain, Minister of Internal Affairs has requested that poker machines donate upwards of 60% of their profits back into the community in which they were earned. The aim is to ensure that pokie funding is awarded fairly, so that low-income areas receive the correct returns.

He has also stated that clubs and operators that comply with the new gaming laws should receive extended licenses as a reward. However, John Minto does not agree with these terms. “Allowing longer licences to be issued for ‘compliant Societies’ will only encourage these parasitic companies rather than provide relief to long suffering communities,” writes Mr Minto.

“Minto for Mayor would give communities the right to decide if they want pokie machines and if the community says no then the machines would go”. Minto argues that residents of low-income areas across Auckland want to get rid of their pokies, and believes that they should have the right veto the addition of any new games.

He seems to echo the sentiments of The Greens, an Australian party that wants to give the power of pokie licensing to local city councils. So far, their campaign has not been well-received, which presents a bad omen for John Minto’s submission. Politicians, organizations and residents have until October 25th to make submissions about the newly-passed Harm Minimisation Bill.

For more information how to make a submission, visit: http://www.parliament.nz/en-nz/pb/legislation/bills/00DBHOH_BILL10323_1/gambling-gambling-harm-reduction-amendment-bill.

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.