The New Zealand Government has announced changes to gambling operator rules and regulations that are designed to reduce the harms of problem gambling in venues with pokie machines.
The changes to pokies harm minimisation regulations will include:
- A requirement that all staff must go through annual problem gambling training
- New mandatory requirements for pokie venues including regular sweeps and recording signs of gambling harm
- Venue design rules that will allow staff to monitor ATMs and make pokie machines less visible
- The introduction of new infringement offences that will penalise operators who fail to comply
Internal Affairs Minister Jan Tinetti said of the new measures:
“The changes focus on reducing harm caused by pokies, which can affect both those people gambling and their whānau. In short, they would make the ‘host responsibility’ requirements on pokie venues clearer, stronger, and more enforceable. I expect that the new harm minimisation regulations for pokies will be in place in the first half of 2023.
Pokies are known to be the most harmful form of land-based gambling in Aotearoa, so I’m really pleased we are making progress with strengthening the harm minimisation rules. These changes will help make sure that pokies venues are identifying and acting upon harmful gambling consistently and more often.
The government has stated that the new rules have been specifically designed to be easily implemented by Class 4 gambling license holders. The Department of Internal Affairs will work with sector representatives, where appropriate, to ensure that the implementation of the changes is s seamless one.
Tinetti went on to add:
“I want to thank everyone who provided their feedback on the public discussion document. The submissions were invaluable in developing and informing the final changes.”
The introduction of the new rules follow similar changes made at state level in Australia such as pre-commitment cards in Tasmania and the use of facial recognition technology for self-excluding gamblers in Queensland and NSW.
New Zealand has also introduced facial recognition technology and recently revealed that gambling operators must fund the implementation of the technology without government backing.
Ciaran has been working within the Gambling Industry as a deep analyst since 2019. His deep knowledge and understanding of all the gambling regulations, and processes makes him a true asset, and an always valuable point of view for Gambling Industry News, allowing us to cover every topics from a brand new perspective.