Matt Cowley Tauranga City Councillor

Did you know that councils set limits on the number pokie machines operating within its area? During the next month, we will be seeking your views on Tauranga City Council's draft new rules for pokie machines and TAB Venues in the city.

There are currently 529 machines in 37 venues operating within Tauranga. The council's old rules allowed up to 821 machines, prorated to the city's population.

The draft new rules would restrict the number of pokie machines to 529, until the population grows. In other words, we have increased the ratio from 1 machine per 147 residents to 1 machine per 228 residents.

Social impact studies have found that pokie machines are bad news for problem gamblers. Elected members debated the pros and cons of a sinking lid policy. But the majority view was to continue with a prorated formula as a sinking lid policy may stop some new neighbourhood bars from opening up in new growth areas. It may also make pokie machine licences a sought after commodity.

The number of pokie machines has been stagnant in recent years. There are various reasons why this has happened. Internet-based gambling is becoming more accessible. It's also been suggested that the government agency who monitors the pokie machines electronically from Wellington has put a lot of costs on the operators.

The council also propose to treat requests from existing operators to relocate their machines to another venue within the city as a new licence. This could annoy some operators who want to continue using more machines than what is allowed. The Gambling Act says new licences are limited to a maximum of nine machines.

Visit our website for more information (www.tauranga.govt.nz) and let the council know what you think.

Feel free to email me your thoughts (matt.cowley@tauranga.govt.nz), call/text me on 0276989548, and follow me atwww.facebook.com/a.younger.voice.

​