Charities take stand against pokies funding

Twenty charities have banded together and refused to accept the takings from pokie machines because they say the impact of gambling undermines their moves to help the needy.

The decision by the charities to join a No Pokies register set up by the Gambling Watch lobby group has been welcomed by the Public Health Association, which described the stand as "gutsy".

"There's not a lot of funding around for charities, community groups and non-government organisations, so refusing pokie money takes real moral courage," said association director Gay Keating.

While charities did good work with their share of $300 million in pokie funds, Dr Keating said there was a bigger picture to be considered.

"The bottom line is that much of this money is sourced from people with a gambling addiction that is likely to have played havoc with their social, physical and mental health."

Problem gamblers found it harder to afford healthy food, heating, shelter, transport, medications and health services, she said.

"We know that poorer communities are hit hardest by losses on the pokies and other gambling. By choosing not to take 'tainted' money, these charities are acknowledging the harm caused by problem gambling."

- NZPA