FROM THE EDITOR

Problem gambling in our area is proving to be a hard problem to budge.

Today’s front page story highlights the appalling rate of pokie machine use - fifth highest per capita in New Zealand again and the dollar value of the problem is not moving downward either.

For many people, an apparently ‘harmless flutter’ on the pokies, becomes a devastating addiction that affects them and everyone close to them.

Gambling really does destroy lives and it is the accessibility of the machines which makes it mainstream.

As the parent in our story suggests, perhaps it is time for those charities that benefit from the proceeds to begin drawing an ethical line under where they accept their funds from.

Maybe these machines should just be banned.

That is a tough call for all those sports clubs or non-profit organisations that rely on this money but it is a discussion that the Government, councils and everyone else needs to have.

Daniel Hutchinson NEWS DIRECTOR: Daniel Hutchinson, daniel.hutchinson@fairfaxmedia.co.nz; 027 809 6854. SENIOR REPORTER: Luke Kirkeby, 027 204 2913, luke.kirkeby@fairfaxmedia.co.nz. SALES MANAGER: Antonio Ganz, 027 204 2920, antonio.ganz@fairfaxmedia.co.nz SENIOR SALES CONSULTANT: Matt Holmes, 027 807 4632, matt.holmes@fairfaxmedia.co.nz, CLASSIFIEDS: 0800 800 373 swn@fairfaxmedia.co.nz or Lynda 07 888 7011, MISSED DELIVERY: 0800 339 000, DIGITAL EDITION: southwaikatonews.co.nz. FACEBOOK: facebook.com/southwaikatonews. DISPLAY AD DEADLINES: 4pm Thursday. ADDRESS: 45 Heuheu St, Taupo or PO Box 205, Taupo