Auckland City Council is dedicated to reducing the number of poker machines in their jurisdiction, as a means of dealing with rising problem gambling rates. In addition to backing the federal Harm Reduction Bill, local city councillors have proposed their own damage control strategy. It comes in the form of a sinking lid policy, which will aim to reduce the number of pokies in Auckland over time.
The term ‘sinking lid’ provides an accurate illustration of the process. Over time, the number of poker machines in Auckland will gradually decrease. The legislation ensures this by restricting venues from adding new machines and prohibiting the opening of new gambling venues. A sinking lid policy also means that pokie venues cannot transfer or sell their machines if the close down or relocate. While it is a gradual process, the policy will reduce poker machine numbers in the capital city.
However, experts question whether a reduction in land-based pokies will result in less problem gambling. Research has proven that gambling addiction cannot simply be attributed to the number of gambling opportunities available in within a player’s reach. There are plenty of underlying issues that cause a person to exhibit compulsive gambling behaviour. So, a sinking lid policy may not be the most effective way to prevent problem gambling rates from rising; however, politicians are convinced that it will benefit the community.
The gaming industry is unlikely to take this news well, as reducing the number of poker machines will reduce the profits of gaming club owners and pokie machine manufacturers. Sports leagues and other community organizations will also lose out on funding as a result of reduced pokie profits, so Auckland City Council should expect some backlash.
It is also improbable that SkyCity will show its support for the new sinking lid policy. The local casino operator is currently in the process of negotiating a deal by which its Auckland location will receive permission from the Prime Minister to install up to 500 new pokies.