Spending on pokies drops

Shocked: Deputy mayor Penny Hulse is surprised by gambling spending.

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Gamblers out west spent $33.5 million dollars on pokie machines in 2009.

The figure is slightly down on the $34.2 million spent in 2008 but shocked deputy mayor Penny Hulse says that’s cold comfort.

"It’s a huge amount of money to be sucked out of the pockets of people who can least afford it," she says.

Waitakere City Council has introduced new rules to try to regulate the number of gaming machines
within its boundaries.

New guidelines that came into effect in October mean venues that close for good will not be replaced.

The policy is expected to limit the size of the city’s gambling industry and lead to an eventual reduction in the number of pokie machines.

Ms Hulse says the latest figures show the council is on the right track.

"We heard such compelling arguments from problem gamblers and members of the community on why we should do it," she says.

"I think it is in keeping with what other councils have done."

Internal Affairs Department spokesman Trevor Henry says the amount of money spent nationwide on gaming machines has declined over the past two years.

He says the trend partly reflects the effects of the recession.

New Zealanders spent $865.5 million on pokies in 2009, down from $912.6 million in 2008.

Problem Gambling Foundation spokesman Graham Aitken says the drop could be a positive sign of good things to come.

"While it might be because poorer people are finding it harder, I’m an optimist. I think people are just getting smarter."

- © Fairfax NZ News