The policy places a moratorium on the establishment of new class 4 venues in Christchurch, and allows for the establishment of new Board (TAB) venues in Christchurch.

The City Council’s moratorium on the number and location of gaming machines is consistent with other city councils’ approaches, most of which have set caps below the current levels.

Christchurch City has one of the largest collections of gaming machines in the country, and one of the highest ratios of gaming machines to residents of New Zealand cities. The TAB has 10 board venues in Christchurch.

Under the central government’s Gambling Act 2003 (which came into force in mid-September last year), the Council was required to introduce a policy on class 4 venues and a policy on TAB venues by March 18 2004. It was required to consult with the public before finalising the policy. Over the nine-week consultation period, which ended in January 2004, 102 written submissions were received.