Poker machine operators are required to donate a portion of their profits to the local community. Organizations across the country depend on the funds donated from gaming trusts; however, some companies have held back, refusing to donate their fair share to local community groups. This time, the Constellation Communities Trust has withheld $45 000 in pokies grants.

The Constellation Communities Trust operates just 27 poker machines across the country. While this is only a small portion of the pokies in New Zealand, the games have generated a great deal of revenue. As such, the trust that operates the machines owes tens of thousands of dollars to the community, but has yet to pay up. Rather than paying out its fair share to the local community, the trust spent $14 000 renovating one of its bars.

It also increased its trustees’ shares by $13 000, neglecting to use its profits for their intended purpose. The Gambling Commission has suspended the trust’s gaming machines until it can pay the outstanding balance. However, Constellation Communities Trust has appealed the decision; while it awaits a response, the trust’s games can continue operating.

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.