Christchurch Residents Invited to Have Their Say on Pokie Venue Policy

Christchurch residents have the chance to help shape the future of pokie venues across the city as Christchurch City Council reviews its Gambling and TAB Venues Policy.

The review focuses on Class 4 gambling, which covers gaming machines found in pubs and clubs rather than casinos. Councils are required by law to regularly review these policies, and Christchurch is now asking both residents and industry representatives whether its current approach still reflects community expectations.

What Is Being Reviewed?

Christchurch currently operates a "sinking lid" policy for Class 4 gambling.

This means:

• No new pokie venues can open in Christchurch.
• Existing pokie venues cannot relocate to another site.
• If a venue permanently closes, it cannot simply be replaced elsewhere.

The Council is now gathering feedback before deciding whether these rules should remain unchanged or whether different policy options should be explored. A Council workshop is expected to review the feedback before elected members make a final decision later this year.

Why Does the Policy Matter?

Class 4 gambling refers to gaming machines located outside casinos, typically in pubs, clubs and some hospitality venues.

While these machines generate funding for many community organisations through authorised grants, they are also recognised under the Gambling Act as a higher-risk form of gambling. Local councils therefore have a role in deciding where these venues may operate and whether additional restrictions should apply.

The Christchurch review is not considering online gambling, casino licensing or gambling regulation generally. Instead, it focuses specifically on the number and location of Class 4 venues within the city and whether the current policy continues to strike the right balance between community funding, business interests and harm minimisation.

Community Voices Will Help Shape the Outcome

Rather than proposing major changes from the outset, the Council says it wants to understand whether residents support the existing policy or would prefer alternative approaches.

The consultation invites feedback from local communities, venue operators and other interested groups before formal policy options are developed.

Although any changes are still some way off, the consultation represents an opportunity for Christchurch residents to influence how pokie venues are managed across the city over the coming years.

Looking to the Future

Following the consultation period, Christchurch City Council will review community feedback alongside technical advice before deciding whether any amendments to its Gambling and TAB Venues Policy are needed.

For now, the city's existing sinking lid policy remains in place while councillors consider the next steps.

Why Community Feedback Is Important

Head of Strategic Policy and Resilience David Griffiths said the consultation is designed to ensure the policy still reflects what Christchurch residents want.

Christchurch City Council's only role in gambling is to decide whether to grant consent for new class 4 or TAB venues. We can't close existing venues or force them to relocate. "

The Council says feedback from residents, community organisations and venue operators will help shape any future policy options before councillors decide whether the existing sinking lid policy should remain unchanged or be updated. Even if no immediate changes are introduced, the consultation gives local people the opportunity to influence how pokie venues are managed in Christchurch.