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.

We are required by legislation (Gambling Act 2003 and Racing Industry Act 2020) to have policies in place. The policies must set out if venues can be established in our district and, if so, set out restrictions and application requirements.

These include setting where venues with electronic gaming machines can be located, the maximum number of machines venues may have, whether two venues can merge, and whether venues can relocate to a new site or not.

There are currently 10 venues in the district. Across these 10 venues, there are 140 pokie machines (143 in total are licensed to operate).

The 2021 policy allows for a maximum of 15 venues and a maximum of 201 pokie machines.

If a venue applies to operate gaming machines, they can operate up to nine (9) machines in one venue.

Totalisator Agency Board (TAB) allow people to bet on horses and sports games - both online and at TAB venues.

In Matamata-Piako, there are no standalone TAB venues. A standalone venue means the sole purpose of the venue is betting. Some pubs allow people to place bets on races or sports games, but this is not considered 'standalone', as the sole purpose of the pub is not betting.

Our policy also dictates if the number of venues and where they can be located. The current policy allows for one standalone venue to be established in each main town. 

Those who own and operate pokie machines are required to return 40% of the profits generated to the community through grants. The grants fund a range of local groups like sports clubs, theatre, health services and local initiatives that enhance wellbeing in our district.

We also know that for most, gambling is a form of entertainment that can be enjoyed safely and in moderation.

Council is aware that problem gambling can have severe and far reaching impacts on individuals and their whānau.  However, responsible gambling can be a form of entertainment and helps to return funds to community groups and organisations.

We also aim to take a balanced approach, that allows people to participate in gambling if they wish while ensuring the social impact of gambling and betting in our communities is considered.

For the majority of people, spending money on pokies or placing a bet is a form of entertainment and is not harmful. However, that does not mean gambling is completely harmless.

In New Zealand, it is estimated that 1 in 5 adults (22%) will be impacted by their own or someone else’s gambling. We also know that of the four legal gambling modes in New Zealand (casinos, Lotto NZ, TAB NZ and gaming machines), gaming machines cause the most harm.

In 2022/23, the most common gaming mode reported by clients receiving intervention services was gaming machines (45.6%).

For more information, visit Safe Gambling Aotearoa and Gambling harm | Ministry of Health NZ.