Dunedin will retain a policy that has seen gambling machines decrease in number in the past few years, despite arguments for a "sinking-lid" policy proponents say could help further minimise the harm the machines cause.
A Dunedin-based gaming trust, and another trust which paid more than $460,000 to its Queenstown-based trustee, have had their appeals to the Gambling Commission dismissed and their licences suspended.
Pokie machines are being blamed for a big hike in the number of the problem gamblers seeking help in 2009.
The Queenstown Lakes District is urging local groups to apply for funds to ensure a larger portion of the income from poker machines is retained within the community.
Ruined lives, misleading statistics and gambling machines which act like an abusive parent were the subjects of some emotional arguments for and against changes to Dunedin's gambling policy yesterday.
A proposal for a "sinking lid" policy for poker machine and other gambling venues in Dunedin has proved by far the most popular among those having their say on a Dunedin City Council review of the issue.
A review of Dunedin's gambling policy has attracted about 800 submissions, with 49 planning to voice their opinions in front of a hearings committee.
The Lion Foundation today rejected Department of Internal Affairs' claims of involvement in any "scheme" associated with the funding of four Northern Harness Racing Clubs.
The facts, Kevin Mechen claims, speaks for themselves.
Prime Minister John Key says he doesn't have a problem with Christchurch Casino using his appearance on an American TV show to promote its pokie machine business.
Students from Auckland University dumped $5 million of fake money under the Sky Tower today to mark Gamble-Free Day.
The Dunedin City Council is reviewing its gambling and TAB venue policy, but its pre-consultation recommendation is to stick with its current policy.
The Ministry of Health wants to pay for research probing issues such as whether casinos and the TAB - and other parts of the sector - target specific cultures, such as gamblers of Chinese or Korean descent or Polynesians.
The long, hot summer is being credited with an 11% drop in spending on gaming machines for the March quarter.
