Maori MP Te Ururoa Flavell introduced a Harm Reduction Bill this year, which aimed to reduce problem gambling rates across New Zealand by help pokie players to gamble more responsibly. Unfortunately, the document was torn apart by a select committee, which amended the Harm Reduction Bill so that it was barely recognizable.

Now, the Labour Party has become involved, proposing new amendments that will ensure the Harm Reduction Bill is used for its intended purpose. Labour Trevor Mallard has announced that his party plans to undo the ‘gutting’ of the Harm Reduction Bill by restoring some of the original provisions and expanding on them.

He agrees that the bill has been watered down, and he would like to see the local government reform it so that it actually helps local residents gamble responsibly. "The Government has wasted this opportunity to make a real difference to our communities,” says Mr Mallard. "My amendments would remove the select committee’s changes entirely and, amongst other improvements, prevent racing clubs profiting from poker machines”.

One major change that Mallard has proposed will reform the way in which pokie proceeds are distributed. At the moment, all club pokies must donate 37% of their profits to community grants, and this will be increased to 40%. It will also increase annually until 2025. Another provision would limit the amount of pokies than can be relocated along with a club.

If a Class 4 gaming venue moves, then it will only be able to 75% of its games along. Licenses cannot be transferred to other club owners. Over time, this will reduce the number of poker machines in the country. Mallard aims to reduce Auckland’s pokie population to 10 000 by the year 2025. Mallard’s provisions also outline restricted hours for casino gambling.

Venues would not be allowed to permit players to gamble on pokies or other games between 4am and 9am. This would prevent problem gamblers from playing for unrestricted amounts of time. All of the amendments aim to improve the societal impact that gambling has on the local community. The activity is not inherently dangerous, and Labour wants to ensure that no one is harmed by playing in the local gambling market.

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.