Council officially adopts proposed Gambling Venues Policy

Waikato District Council has adopted its proposed Gambling Venues Policy 2024 with no changes, revoking the Gambling Venues Policy 2021.

Between 26 June and 29 July 2024, the Council received 28 submissions during public consultation on the policy with three people attending Chambers to talk to Councillors about their feedback.

Imelda Bolton, Deputy General Manager Customer Support at Waikato District Council says the submissions came from public health organisations, healthcare providers, industry groups and members of our community.

“The decision to adopt the policy as presented for consultation was made after considering a range of verbal and written submissions.

“We appreciate the time and thought community members and stakeholders took in presenting their submissions to help us decide that no further changes were required to the proposed policy.”

The adopted policy keeps the sinking lid clause intact to reduce the number of class 4 gambling machine (pokies) available in the district, while allowing for recreational use, subsequent community funding streams, venue relocations and mergers under certain conditions.

Under both the Gambling Act 2003 and the Racing Industry Act 2020, Waikato District Council is required to implement a Class 4 Venues Policy and a TAB Venues Policy.

These policies have been combined into the one Gambling Venues Policy, which is legislatively required to be reviewed every three years.

You can find the Gambling Venues Policy 2024 on our website here.