Gambling Venue and TAB Venue Policies
Council’s Class 4 Gambling and TAB policies are due for review in 2025. These policies were last reviewed in 2022, and must be reviewed every three years.
Council is in the early stages of identifying any changes that may be needed to make sure these policies are fit for purpose. During the review process Council considers a range of things including, where venues that host gaming machines should be, the benefits of grants from gaming machine profits and the social impact of gambling and betting. Once possible changes have been identified, we will share any proposed changes with the community and provide an opportunity for you to have your say. Stay tuned!
If you, someone you know, or your organisation has any information you would like Council to know about gambling or betting during the review phase, please get in touch. Any information you provide can be shared with staff, elected members and the public.
Class 4 gambling refers to electronic gaming machines, better known as pokies, that are in the local pubs and clubs (not casinos). Pokies are considered ‘Class 4’ by the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) because they are a form of ‘continuous gambling’, meaning the winnings are awarded immediately, and can be put back into the machine right away.
TAB venue refers to standalone TAB venues, where the sole purpose of the venue is to place bets on things like horse races or sports. This does not apply to pubs and clubs that have TAB betting available.
Council’s role
Council has the ability to control some elements of gambling in the district, but not all. Council can accept, grant and deny applications for:
- New venues to host pokie machines
- New standalone TAB Venues
Council can:
- Set the maximum number of venues (TAB and Class 4 Gambling) that can operate new gaming machines.
- Set the maximum number of gaming machines allowed in the district.
- Set where venues with gaming machines and standalone TAB venues may or may not be located.
- Disallow new TAB venues and/or Class 4 Gambling venues to be established.
- Set the application requirements for new venues.
- Set conditions for the merging of clubs and relocation of existing venues.
Council cannot:
- Close existing venues by revoking applications that were granted in the past.
- Require existing venues to close gaming machines that are already consented for.
How to seek help
We recognise gambling can be a sensitive topic for many who are or know a loved one experiencing gambling harm.
It’s ok to ask for help just call 0800 654 655 or text: 8006 and get in touch with free and confidential services available 24 hours a day 7 days a week through the Ministry of Health. For more information about services click here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Class 4 gambling refers to electronic gaming machines (pokies) in pubs in clubs (not in casinos). Electronic gaming machines are considered ‘Class 4’ by the DIA because they are a form of ‘continuous gambling’, meaning the winnings are awarded immediately, and can be put back into the machine right away.
Other forms of gambling like Lotto or betting on a race are not Class 4 because they are not continuous. When you buy a Lotto ticket, you have to wait hours or days to see whether you have won or not.
Upcoming Events
Want to have a chat about the Policy?
Council staff will be available for drop in sessions on the following days and times:
10am - 2pm, 19 Oct 24 at Kiwanis Family Fun Day in Campbell Park, Morrinsville
12pm - 2pm & 4 - 6pm, 21 Oct 24 at the Matamata-Piako Civic and Memorial Centre
11am - 2pm, 23 Oct 24 at the Te Aroha Visitor Centre
Policy Timeline
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Pre-engagement phase
October/November 2024
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Drop in sessions
October 2024
Council to approve draft bylaws for consultation
December 2024
Public consultation
March/April 2025
Council Hearing
April/May 2025
Policy Adoption
June 2025
Policy comes into effect
1 July 2025
