Gaming Machine Quarterly statistics

Gaming Machine Association of New Zealand (GMANZ)

Quarterly statistics press release November 2018

Keeping funding available on sustainable levels to community organisations across New Zealand is looking more secure, with a 3.4 percent increase in Gaming Machine Proceeds (GMP) from Class 4 Gambling (pokies) in the June-September 2018 quarter, compared with the same period in 2017. The quarterly statistics released by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) November 2018 show that GMP increased by $7.74 million.

There is a growing demand for community funding, at the same time as the DIA figures show the numbers of pokie machines, and the venues that house them, continue to decline.

“These results reflect the success of the balanced, controlled and sustainable approach of the Class 4 model we have in New Zealand. It’s also important to note that the increased activity is occurring against the backdrop of an expanding economy,” says GMANZ spokesperson, Bruce Robertson.

“Gaming venues such as pubs and clubs aim to provide a safe, fun and regulated environment to those who choose this popular form of entertainment. Reduced accessibility to local venues and machines is likely to drive more players into the world of unregulated online gambling,” says Bruce.

GMANZ licencing trusts, clubs, venues and societies remain committed to employing robust harm minimisation measures, including the introduction of new technologies, to help those few players experiencing problems. In contrast, online gambling offers no such safeguards, and returns no funding benefit to the community.

The grants from pokie machine proceeds will continue to make a positive difference to many local organisations, most of which would struggle to survive without this funding. These include the operation of a professional air rescue and air ambulance service in Canterbury and on the West Coast, which rescued more than 900 people in 2017 alone; and Riding for Disabled programmes around the country. The increase will allow the growing demand for grants to be comparatively met.

“The sustainability of New Zealand’s unique Class 4 gambling model – and its important role in the survival of many vital community organisations is under threat by this continued decrease in venues and machines,” says Bruce.
ENDS
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