More and more pokies, more and more problems

Green Party Spokesperson on gambling, Sue Bradford is calling for a complete moratorium on new gaming machines, in the wake of revelations today that more than 2500 new gaming machines have come into operation this year, despite the introduction of the Responsible Gambling Bill. In response to Ms Bradford's question in the House, the Internal Affairs Minister listed a total of 2530 new gaming machine licences applied for this year. Last year, more than 5000 new problem gamblers were officially recognised. Three quarters of these gamblers cited pokie machines as the primary source of their difficulties.

"The Green Party wants a moratorium on new gaming machines, more community control of where pokie machines can be located, and a change in the law so that the profits from pokie machines go to the community instead of into private hands," said Sue Bradford.

"If Green provisions to achieve these changes do not make it into the Responsible Gambling Bill, then I will be moving them as amendments," she said.

"And I will be challenging Peter Dunne to put up or shut up on his 'family friendly' rhetoric and fully back the Greens on this," said Ms Bradford.

"The Responsible Gambling Bill will be a real test for both the United and NZ First parties. So far Peter Dunne has stood for nothing but silly sideline games in this Parliament, while for NZ First MPs to try and portray themselves as role models just continues the bad joke of their last campaign.

"Its time for these parties to contribute something meaningful to this Parliament and actually stand up for families and communities, instead of backing the profiteers of the gambling industry."

© Scoop Media