KEY POINTS:
A Christchurch publican is closing down his pokie machines tomorrow for Gamble Free Day - and says he would like to get rid of them permanently.
Mike Searle, who runs the Esplanade pub in New Brighton, said the machines were a danger to the people who played them, and to everybody else dealing with them.
"In my opinion they are a social evil and should not be in pubs," he said. "I would get rid of them all together but it wouldn't be a level playing field if the other pubs in the area kept theirs, so I have to keep them."
Mr Searle said the machines were in the pub when he took it over and he discovered the trouble they caused when a staff member was caught stealing from them.
He was concerned to see customers playing them regularly and checked to see if they could afford the losses.
Meanwhile, the Salvation Army is urging people to spare a thought on national Gamble Free Day tomorrow for the harmful effects of gambling.
Activities to mark Gamble Free Day will be taking place around the country, organised by the Salvation Army, Problem Gambling Foundation and other organisations worried about the human toll from problem gambling.
Salvation Army Major Lynette Hutson said problem gambling was an addictive behaviour that was often more hidden than addiction to alcohol or drugs.
"Gamble Free Day provides an opportunity to reflect on the harmful affects of gambling in our society, such as financial distress, family violence, drug and alcohol abuse, and mental health problems, and to give people a chance to have a break from gambling."
- NZPA
