You would normally think that a city’s decline in poker machines would result in a decrease in gambling spending in the community. That is normally the case, but Christchurch has defied the odds. This week, it has been revealed that the city is seeing increased amounts of gambling spending, despite having fewer pokies in clubs and pubs.
The earthquake damaged many gambling venues across the city. Pubs, clubs and hotels lost hundreds of games that have yet to be replaced. According to reports, there are 400 fewer pokies in the city than there were before the earthquake, but gambling spending continues to rise. For example, the city lost nine pokies during the period from March 2013 to June 2013. However, gambling spending actually increased by $1.8 million.
It was the highest increase in gambling spending for any region in New Zealand, despite the fact that the number of pokies is falling. During the financial quarter from April to June, Christchurch gamblers spent more than $20 million. The city has always been a big spender with regards to gambling, but the situation is intensifying.
The quarter’s gambling spending in Christchurch actually equalled 10% of all gambling spending across the country. However, the Department of Internal Affairs is not bothered by these numbers. According to Internal Affairs Minister Chris Tremain, gambling spending is not on the rise; instead it is stable.
He cites statistics that show, in the grand scheme of things, gambling activity has actually decreased over the course of the past few years. He also notes that problem gambling levy had decreased from 1.48% to 1.31% because problem gambling data had not changed in recent years. The state of Christchurch’s gambling market is certainly up for debate.
On one hand, gambling spending is increase quickly over short periods of time, but it has declined overall this past year. As such, it is difficult to tell whether or not the city is in need of more problem gambling assistance.
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