Last year the Gambling Commission held a public hearing for the application from SkyCity to swap three Black Jack tables for 60 pokie machines, at this public hearing, Te Kohao Health was present. SkyCity has filed four applications with the Commission to bring more gaming machines into the casino, which is the first time this has ever happened. We are concerned that if the Commission approves the swap of tables for pokies they (SkyCity) may apply to do it in all their other casinos.
“Stop this! It is not good for our whānau, hapū and iwi.”
Ministry of Health reported that 16.7% of Māori engage with gaming machines at pubs/clubs or casinos. With SkyCity’s applications, we could see more gambling harm amongst our whānau through the addition of more gaming machines. A second public Hearing Panel will include Māori witnesses who have a gambling addiction to highlight the impacts that having more machines, will have on Whānau.
Te Kohao health have taken the courageous step to use a personal story in the media, which will no doubt raise awareness of gambling harm but also highlight the injustice of the casino proposed changes.
Watch the media coverage here:
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Ex-gambling addict warns against more pokies in Hamilton’s casino
Decision over whether SkyCity can roll out 60 more pokie machines draws closer
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