SkyCity’s convention centre deal has rubbed plenty of Kiwis the wrong way. Over the course of the past few months, local residents have protested the deal, concerned that adding new poker machines to the casino would result in an increase in problem gambling rates. Now, a researcher for the Auckland Technical University presents another perspective, suggesting that the deal may be beneficial for problem gamblers.
When SkyCity adds its 230 new pokies and 40 new table games, the casino will have to increase its harm reduction efforts. Pre-commitment and monitoring systems will have to be enabled in order to ensure that players do not go overboard, and Professor Max Abbott believes that this could inspire other gambling venues to improve their harm reduction offerings.
In pubs and clubs, where problem gambling rates are much higher than in casinos, these harm reduction initiatives don’t exist. SkyCity’s introduction of these programs may set a positive example for other operators, which would help to reduce problem gambling rates overall. SkyCity is not the only venue where pokies present potential harm, so it is important that clubs and pubs also take responsibility.
"Cynics might say this is just window dressing to put the deal through,” says Professor Abbott. “So really they have to demonstrate that they're actually doing this thoroughly and that it's effective, and they can learn from that." Prime Minister John Key also doubts that SkyCity’s new pokies will be as detrimental as residents are making them seem.
Since a sinking lid policy is in effect, the overall number of pokies in New Zealand will be reduced over time. For responsible gambling advocates, it is certainly a setback, but it is hoped that New Zealand will eventually be able to scale back on its pokie numbers.
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