27 August 2009 MEDIA RELEASE

Christchurch keeps “sinking lid” pokie moratorium

The Christchurch City Council today voted to keep its “sinking-lid” pokie venue moratorium recognising the harm that pokies can do to individuals, families and communities.

The current “sinking lid” moratorium was created in 2004 and reconfirmed in 2006 after a public campaign generated over 2000 submissions in favour of the “sinking lid” moratorium.

“This decision today reconfirms that the Christchurch City Council is a leading Council in New Zealand on recognising the harms caused by pokie machines. We know there is a lot of support in the community to reduce the number of pokie venues,” The Problem Gambling Foundation National Operations Director, Laurie Siegel-Woodward said.

“We know that 1 In 4 who gambles on pokies regularly will develop a problem and we know that pokies are located in our poorest communities. We are proud that our city leaders in Christchurch have taken a positive stand on this issue,” Salvation Army National Manager Addictions and Supportive Accommodation Services, Major Lynette Hutson said.

The Council’s social and economic impact assessment suggests that harm from problem gambling can include poor parenting, family violence, other crime, and suicide. These harms can affect between 7 and 17 people to some degree in addition to the problem gambler themselves.

“Not only do pokies harm individuals and families, but they are a major cause of crime and fraud and cost our economy in terms of lost business productivity and lost jobs,” Laurie Siegel-Woodward said.

ENDS

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