Northland Gamblers Losing Millions despite Cutbacks

New data from New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs has revealed that Northland residents have lost millions to gambling. This data is part of a wider survey to determine gambling habits across the country. According to the data, Northland has been the most affected by problem gambling as a result of too many venues offering pokies.

Residents in Northland have reportedly spent NZ$8.4 million (AU$7.71 million) in the second quarter of 2018. This is despite cutbacks of seven poker machines and one gambling venue in the region. There are still 630 gaming machines and 48 venues offering pokies. Still, there are efforts to reduce the number of poker machines in the communities of Northland. This will still depend on the Kiwi government’s involvement and various charities.

Northland Pokies Help Communities

One of the largest problems faced by the New Zealand government is the revenue from pokies. This revenue is used to fund community projects and services, like in Australia. If there are fewer venues, there is a chance that Kiwi communities will suffer. However, reports show that there are already problems in communities.

Those most affected live in poorer areas, where there are too many machines. In Northland, there is at least one pokie machine per 75 people. When compared to ‘wealthier regions’, where there is one machine for every 465 people, this is a growing problem. Many experts believe that there is a higher risk in regions like this of gambling addiction. In one case, a woman spent NZ$1000 (AU$917) every night on pokies. She has tried to use self-exclusion, but claims that she isn’t fully in control of her addiction.

Even if poker machines are reduced, treating those with a gambling problem still depends on gaming machine proceeds. That makes the situation a ‘Catch 22’ for the moment. Keep visiting Sun Vegas Casino for updates on this story.