Gambling Policies

Invercargill City Council is reviewing its two gambling policies, the Class 4 Gambling Venues Policy and the Board (TAB) Gambling Venues Policy. These policies provide guidelines and regulations for private providers of gaming machines, ensuring a safe environment for public participation in relation to the Gambling Act 2003 and the Racing Industry Act 2020.

Following a hui with stakeholders to test possible approaches Council has a number of proposals we’d like feedback on:

• Cap or sinking lid?

Currently both policies use a cap on the number of machines/ venues to control the activity. We could stay with this approach or introduce a sinking lid, which would mean that the number of machines/ venues allowed would automatically reduce every time a venue closes or is sold. Over the long-term this would mean eventually there would be no Class 4 or Board (TAB) venues gambling in the District.

• Voluntary Code of Conduct

Some other Councils, including Gore District, have introduced a Voluntary Code of Conduct which outlines how venues and operators will help limit gambling harm. Feedback from the stakeholders was that the proposed code aligned well with their current practice and could be a useful additional tool to help support host responsibility. If you have suggestions to improve the Code of Conduct let us know.

Other proposed changes to the policies are largely technical and related to bringing the Board (TAB) Venues Policy into alignment with the new Racing Act (2020) which replaced the previous 2003 legislation. We have also shortened the name of the Board (TAB) Venues Policy name to reduce duplication.

Please let us know what you think about the Draft policies and the proposed changes by submitting online below.

Submissions are due 4 pm 18 October 2023.