Public consultation on the draft Gambling Venues Policy 2019 closes at 5pm on Friday, 16 November
Tauranga City Council is reviewing the policy that sets out how many and where gambling venues (TAB venues and places with gaming machines, aka pokies) can set up in Tauranga, and how many gaming machines can operate in the city.
Council’s main proposal is to introduce a ‘sinking lid’ approach that means that no new gambling venues would be allowed to set up in Tauranga, and no additional machines would get approval to operate. So over time, the number of venues and machines would slowly decline, if venues shut down or give up some of their machines.
The main drawback is that this would slowly affect the availability of funding for the racing industry, sports and community organisations and clubs, who receive part of the proceeds from gambling, as directed by the Gambling Act and the Racing Act.
The draft policy and supporting information, including a social impact assessment that informed the review, are available at www.tauranga.govt.nz/gambling, along with an online submission form. Paper copies are also available at the customer service centre at 91 Willow Street and in libraries.