Background

The purpose of the Gambling and TAB Venues Policy is to regulate establishment and operation of gambling venues, and to minimise gambling behaviour, in order to safeguard and enhance the socio-economic wellbeing of the community, in the Waimate District.

Purpose of the policy review

Under the Gambling Act 2003 and Racing Industry Act 2020, Council is required to review its Gambling and TAB Venues Policy every three years. The current review has been undertaken to ensure the policy remains accurate, up to date, and aligned with Council’s ongoing commitment to minimise gambling-related harm in the district.

Update to the maximum number of licensed gaming machines

During this review, Council identified a discrepancy in the number of licensed class 4 gaming machines when compared to records from the Department of Internal Affairs. As a result, the policy will be updated to reflect the correct maximum number of approved gaming machines at any single venue currently operating in the district.

The maximum number of gaming machines permissible at a Class 4 venue will be 9.

This proposed change is administrative only. It corrects the recorded maximum number but does not:

• increase the number of gaming machines,

• permit any new gaming machines, or

• allow for any growth in gambling opportunities within the district.

Council’s sinking lid approach remains unchanged

The only change being proposed at this time is the correction of the recorded machine count to ensure the policy accurately reflects current licensing data.

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