Community groups unite to fight gambling approvals

John Hubscher of the Waitakere Association for Gambling Action (left) and Rangi McLean carry boxes of submissions. Photo / Martin Sykes

More than 6000 submissions calling for a halt to granting approval for more gambling venues and machines were yesterday presented to the Waitakere City Council.

The council's review of its gambling venue policy has prompted the gathering of submissions by the community groups Problem Gambling Foundation and Oasis and also Maori public health advocate Hapai Te Hauora Tapui.

"We are providing a Maori voice in supporting the focus of these submissions, which is in favour of a sinking lid on venues and gambling machines," said Rangi McLean, of Hapai Te Hauora Tapui.

"We are taking on board the example of Manukau City Council. A sinking lid brought in there is showing increasing benefits for families."

Maori, Pacific, Asian and young people are at higher than average risk of becoming problem gamblers.

A considerable number of Waitakere residents seek help for problem gambling - higher than the average for Auckland for some ethnic groups, says a social impact assessment prepared for the councillors.

More than $34 million was spent in Waitakere on poker machines last year.

But about $12 million to $14 million from local gambling profit is distributed in grants to the Waitakere community.

A hearing of views will be held by the city council, which has a policy cap of 38 gambling venues and 501 machines. The cap allows only four more applications.

Waitakere has 2.46 machines for every 1000 adults compared with the national average of 5.04 machines.

A sinking-lid policy would mean the number of venues would gradually drop as venues closed and as machines were not issued with new licences.

Other councils use a range of approaches to implement their gambling policies.

The Manukau City Council has a sinking lid policy, and the North Shore City Council uses a cap system.

The Auckland City Council is also reviewing its policy and considering a sinking-lid policy.

Waitakere is unusual in Auckland in that 17 venues are run by trusts.

The Trusts Charitable Foundation (Portage and Waitakere Licensing Trusts) has 15 venues.

Its 2008 annual report says 58.6 per cent of its gambling profits go back to the community through grants and amenities.