Gambling Policy
Council's Gambling Policy - Kaupapa Here Wāhi Petipeti 2020
The Council last reviewed its Gambling Policy Kaupapa Here Wāhi Petipeti 2020 ('The Gambling Policy') in December 2020.
The Council's Gambling Policy provides guidance for both class 4 gambling venues (venues that have pokie machines) and TAB venues on the Council's approach to pokie machines and TABs in the district. You can view the new Gambling Policy here(PDF, 143KB).
The Policy used findings from work which looked at the social impact of gambling in the district, and its findings were considered in the review. You can view the social impact assessment here(PDF, 143KB).
Sinking lid
The 'sinking lid' approach is maintained in the reviewed policy. This means that no new consents for pokie machines (class 4 gambling machines) will be granted, and any venues with pokie machines (class 4 gambling venues) that cease to operate will result in a reduction of pokie machine numbers in the district.
The policy does not allow the establishment of any TAB venue where the main business is racing betting, sports betting or other racing or sport betting services. Note that this does not include Pub TABs or venues with self-service TAB terminals which are not covered by this policy.
Relocation
A 'relocation provision' is in the reviewed policy. This means that venues with pokie machines may now apply to Council for a consent to relocate to a new location. This enables venues with pokie machines to move to more appropriate locations in the district - away from early childhood centres/kindergartens, schools, kohanga reo, playgrounds and low socio-economic areas as well as provides business owners with more flexibility in where they are able to operate.
The policy provides some guidance as to how a venue may apply for a relocation consent, and what type of information they will need to provide to council. If you have questions on how to apply for a relocation consent including how to apply for a consent, call Council on 07 868 0200. You will need to fill out this form(PDF, 322KB).
Club mergers
The reviewed policy provides for clubs that currently have pokie machines to merge to become one club if they meet the conditions of the policy. These clubs can also apply for a consent to relocate to a new venue under the relocation policy. The policy does not affect the ability for clubs without pokie machines to merge.
Clubs that wish to merge under the reviewed policy can now apply to the Department of Internal Affairs using this process, or by contacting the Department on 0800 25 78 87. Clubs wishing to relocate as well as merge can contact the Council with questions on the relocation consent application process on 07 868 0200.
Gambling Act and Racing Industry Act
Under the Gambling Act 2003 and the Racing Industry Act 2020, Council must have both a Class 4 Gambling Venue Policy and a TAB Venue Policy. These Acts set out factors that Council must take into consideration when developing the policies.
The purpose of the Gambling Act 2003 is to:
- control the growth of gambling; and
- prevent and minimise the harm caused by gambling, including problem gambling; and
- authorise some gambling and prohibit the rest; and
- facilitate responsible gambling; and
- ensure the integrity and fairness of games; and
- limit opportunities for crime or dishonesty associated with gambling; and
- ensure that money from gambling benefits the community; and
- facilitate community involvement in decisions about the provision of gambling.
The purpose of the Racing Industry Act 2020 is to reform the law relating to New Zealand racing in order to:
- provide effective governance arrangements for the racing industry; and
- promote the long-term viability of New Zealand racing; and
- facilitate betting on galloping, harness and greyhound races, and other sporting events; and
- ensure that the value of racing property is retained in the industry and is used for maximum industry benefit; and
- prevent and minimise harm from gambling conducted under this Act, including harm associated with problem gambling.
If you or someone you know is concerned about gambling the Ministry of Health has a 24 hour helpline at 0800 654 655 or you can check out: gamblinghelpline.co.nz . There are also regional and population specific helpline available on the Ministry webpage: