Feedback wanted on gambling policy

8 October 2014

Taupo District Council is proposing to slightly lower the number of gaming machines allowed in the district as part of its gambling policy's scheduled review.

Proposed changes to the Class 4 Gambling and TAB Venue Policy open for submissions on Friday, October 10. The council is required to review this policy every three years and it was last reviewed in 2011.

Policy manager Nick Carroll said the current policy stated the maximum number of gaming machines allowed in the district was 250. The proposal is to lower this to 225. This won't affect current numbers of gaming machines as there are only 208 operating at the moment, Mr Carroll said. There were 152 gaming machines in Taupo and 56 in Mangakino and Turangi combined, at 16 different venues. These have not changed since June 2013.

The council proposes to reduce the current cap for gaming machines to achieve a balance between supporting economic growth and minimising harm. Lowering the cap would reduce the potential number of machines in the district by a further 25, Mr Carroll said. With only 208 machines currently operating in the district there would still be potential for some minimal growth.

Submissions on the policy need to be with the council by 5pm on Monday, November 10. They can be made online at www.taupo.govt.nz/consultation or by picking up a form from one of council's offices.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Lisa Nairne Communications Manager 07 376 0762 027 839 8410

Vicki Waterhouse Communications Advisor 07 376 0718 027 484 2549

Taupo District Council

www.taupo.govt.nz