The Waitaki District Council has suspended its review of gambling policies, a decision that comes despite the region experiencing record losses on poker machines.The council’s move raises concerns among gambling harm reduction advocates, who argue that current policies may not adequately address the growing problem.

Record Losses Fuel Concerns

new data reveals a troubling trend in the Waitaki district. Statistics from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) show that the 108 poker machines across 11 venues in the district raked in $4 million in gaming proceeds last year. This figure represents the highest recorded losses in Waitaki, surpassing the previous year’s $3.97 million.

The final quarter of the year saw a notable spike in losses, with gamblers losing $1.03 million in just three months. This represents a 6.6% increase compared to the same period the previous year, further highlighting the escalating problem.

Council’s Rationale for Delay

The Waitaki District Council is required to conduct a review of its policies regarding TAB venues and Class 4 gambling venues every three years. However, a recent staff report recommended a postponement due to pressing staff workloads. The report stated:

A council resolution to postpone the formal review process is required to address workload and time constraints on officers and elected members for the remainder of 2025.

The report further suggested that delaying the review poses minimal risk, as officers consider that the current policies are fit for purpose in the interim. The council voted to pause the review, with one abstention from Cr. Brent Cowles due to a conflict of interest.

Advocates Question Council’s Assessment

Andree Froude, director of advocacy and public health at the Problem Gambling Foundation Services, challenged the council’s assessment. She argued that relying solely on the number of people seeking help from gambling harm support services provides an incomplete picture of the problem’s true extent. Froude told the Oamaru Mail:

If this is based on the numbers of people who have presented for help at a gambling harm support service such as ours, that data is not a good indicator of the level of harm as so many people do not present for help.
Andree Froude, Problem Gambling Foundation Services

Froude pointed to multi-venue exclusion data as a more reliable indicator of gambling harm. She noted that the Canterbury region, which includes Waitaki, has the second-highest number of exclusions in the country, trailing only Auckland. These exclusions reflect individuals who have voluntarily banned themselves from venues to curb their gambling habits.

Froude emphasized the significant financial impact of poker machine losses on the community, stating:

The amount lost on pokies in Waitaki district is certainly significant [$4m in 2024]. That is a lot of money coming out of the community that could have been spent in other areas. It is concerning that it has continued to trend upward since 2015.
Andree Froude, Problem Gambling Foundation Services

Long-Term Trend and Council’s Justification

DIA statistics confirm a consistent upward trend in gaming machine proceeds since 2015, with the exception of a dip during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2021. The report presented to councillors cited several factors contributing to the decision to postpone the review, including the district plan review, long-term plan preparations, and upcoming local government elections.The report assured that delaying the review until 2026 would still satisfy legislative requirements.

council staff clarified that initiating the motion to postpone the review technically fulfilled the initial review requirements, mitigating any legal risks to the council.