Progressives to promote new Responsible Gambling bill

Great concern of the Progressives and Community Groups around the country about problem gambling not being fully addressed by the Gambling Bill passed today has led us to take up the challenge and put together a private members bill, said Matt Robson, Progressive Deputy Leader.

"The Progressives, in conjunction with organizations tackling poverty, have serious concerns about Internet gambling. We have accepted the assurances that this will be monitored closely, but we ourselves will also be watching carefully.

"We want to cut, then cap, the number of pokies around New Zealand and are disappointed the conservative United Future Party didn't vote with us when I introduced an SOP on the issue.

"The Progressives reject note acceptors to make it easier for problem gamblers to throw their families' dollar notes into gaming machines. We wonder how United Future will justify its stance on gambling when they are supposed to be pro-family. However I also note that United Future does not support the Progressives’ pro-family four weeks minimum annual leave Bill.

"The Progressives will introduce a Private Member's Bill to reform gambling laws and do more to protect families from problem gamblers.

"There is no doubt that the values and concerns of most New Zealanders includes an intelligent compassion to protect the children of problem gamblers, to protect the spouses of problem gamblers and to enhance safer communities. That is why a Private Members bill on this is so important," said Matt Robson MP.

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