The Problem Gambling Foundation is seeking legal advice over a possible High Court challenge to a controversial Government decision to axe funding for most of its services for gambling addicts.

The plug has been pulled on government funds for the Problem Gambling Foundation, amid claims it's payback for opposing the SkyCity convention centre deal.

The Department of Internal Affairs has warned the Government that extra pokie machines at SkyCity risks increased harm to the community, Steven Joyce has confirmed.

The Government has been urged to introduce facial-recognition technology for poker machines to restrict problem gamblers as part of an overhaul of gambling laws.

A banned poker machine addict slipped through all SkyCity's safety systems to play his way to VIP status in the casino's high-roller room - blowing $500,000 in the process.

New Zealanders lost a record $2.07 billion gambling last year with bets totalling more than $16 billion - or more than $3600 for every man, woman and child.

A woman who "ruthlessly exploited" her elderly neighbour by nearly draining her bank account to play pokie machines says she is happy with her sentence.

A gambling addict who stole more than $60,000 from her employer, started to steal five days after her employment.

Stressed-out Cantabrians have been squandering Red Cross cash handouts on poker machines.

Police were called to SkyCity casino yesterday after a child was found abandoned while his grandparents played bingo.