Gaming machines cluster in fewer pubs and clubs, survey shows

Fewer pubs and clubs are choosing to have gaming machines, but those that do are installing more pokies.

Keith Manch, director of the Department of Internal Affairs' Gaming and Censorship Regulation Group, said the trend revealed by the latest quarterly statistics was the same for pubs, clubs and the gaming sector overall.

While the total number of venues and machines was falling, the average number of machines per venue was increasing.

The reasons were not simple but were probably based on operators learning more about how gamblers behaved.

"It could be that operators are concentrating machines in their most profitable venues."

The stricter controls in the Gambling Act passed in September 2003 were likely to reinforce the trend to fewer machines and fewer but bigger venues, he said.

Total machine numbers peaked in the quarter before the act was passed, but have reduced each quarter since.

Mr Manch said venue numbers had fluctuated for years, with the overall trend being a slow reduction.

Fewer machines did not necessarily mean lower profits for operators.

"For example, from June 30, 2003, to June 30, 2004, the number of machines decreased by 11 per cent while profits increased by 10 per cent."

- NZPA