The Department of Internal Affairs has taken a more active role in encouraging responsible gambling in New Zealand. As its first order of business, the DIA has suspended the operation of poker machines at McGinty's Turf and Sports Bar, after an employee failed to place a problem gambler in its self-exclusion program. The suspension is part of the Department’s interest in enforcing responsible gambling practices across Australia.
With problem gambling rates on the rise, it is up to the local government to do something to curb the increase. As such, the Department of Internal Affairs wants to ensure that all pubs and clubs have adequately trained their employees when it comes to dealing with problem gamblers.
Since McGinty's Turf and Sports Bar failed to train their employees in proper responsible gambling practices, the club’s Pub Charity poker machines will not be able to accept wagers for the next two days. The punishment may not seem significant, but poker machines bring in thousands of dollars worth of profits every day. It will also serve as a deterrent for other gaming clubs that have not trained their staff properly.