One of the Nat/SkyCity (same thing?) lines in the pokies debate was that the new machines would be in a monitored and controlled environment. That appears to be bullshit:
#SkyCity#dirtydeal allows pokies to be installed in Auckland InterCity Bus Terminal. http://www.legislation.govt.nz/bill/government/2013/0140/latest/DLM5362254.html …
Pokies in bus terminals. Bus terminals! Recall the social harm that is going to result:
Thousands more face gambling harm
Thousands more people could experience gambling harm as a result of concessions for SkyCity in exchange for a new convention centre, documents show.
The Government today released papers discussing the potential harm of the deal after unveiling the final details of the agreement with SkyCity on Saturday.
The casino operator will build a $402 million international convention centre in Auckland, in exchange for an extension of its Auckland casino licence out to 2048, 230 more pokie machines, 40 more gaming tables and new cashless gaming technology.
Currently in New Zealand, there are 2800 gaming machines and 200 gaming tables, with more than 1600 machines and more than 100 tables at SkyCity Auckland.The concessions will increase nationwide pokie machine numbers by 8.2 percent, while table numbers will increase by 20 percent.
Discussing the potential harm of increased machine and table numbers in early 2011, the Department of Internal Affairs noted 2006/07 figures showing 87,000 adults experienced problems over the previous 12 months due to someone’s gambling. …Only a fraction of those affected by problem gambling seek help, and the cost of intervention services is only a fraction of the harm costs, which range from poor parenting to crime, lost productivity, family issues and suicide.
Those voting for this Bill are voting for more social harm, including more suicide.
The Greens have a page up with contact details for Nat MPs, so that you can email them with your request not to create more pokie victims.
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