Wellington adopts sinking lid pokie policy

WELLINGTON: The Wellington City Council yesterday voted for a ‘‘sinking lid’’ on poker machines even though most councillors admit it is largely a symbolic gesture.

Many councils nationwide are calling on the Government to give them the power to outlaw gaming machines in their regions.

The council’s strategy and policy committee voted eight to five in favour of the policy, the strongest action it can take under the Gambling Act.

It means no new machines and if a venue closes down, the pokies go with it.

Eastern ward councillor Teri O’Neill said of the 108 poker machines in her area, the highest concentrations were in the suburbs with the lowest incomes and highest Pasifika populations.

Nicola Young, one of five councillors who voted against the sinking lid policy, said it could actually end up doing more harm than good.

‘‘The reality is this policy won’t make any difference to problem gamblers.

‘‘It will drive it underground or online.

‘‘One thing I will say is, when you’re betting on the pokies, some money stays in the community.

‘‘When you bet online, it goes to China or the United States.’’

Cr Rebecca Matthews said the sinking lid policy might save some people from falling victim to the pokies. — RNZ