Key points:
- Rangitīkei District Council proposes maintaining current restrictions on gaming machines and TAB venues
- Policy balances community funding benefits against medium-high risk of gambling harm in the district
- Review occurs as New Zealand prepares to issue 15 online casino licences through a competitive auction
The Rangitīkei District Council has initiated a review of its gambling policies. Following this review, the Council's preferred approach maintains existing limits on gaming machines and continues the prohibition of standalone TAB venues in the district.
While minor adjustments are proposed to align with central government legislation, these changes won't affect policy implementation.
The decision follows a social impact assessment that rated the district's exposure to harmful gambling as medium-high, suggesting residents face above-average risk compared to other New Zealanders.
Good to know: Public submissions on the Rangitīkei policies are open until 24 February 2025
The Rangitīkei review acknowledges the dual impact of gambling in the community, noting that while risks exist, revenue from gambling activities provides significant support for local events, sports clubs and community projects through grants and funding.
The policy review coincides with national developments in online gambling regulation, where the government plans to auction 15 online casino licences – expected to generate NZ$719m (US$406.04m) in gaming duty over four years.
However, local casino operators, including SkyCity and Christchurch Casino, have expressed concerns about being outbid by larger offshore companies, which could impact compliance and social responsibility standards.
