In the three months to December 2020, $252 million was spent across 14,781 poker machines outside of casinos nationwide - the highest since records began in 2007. Photo / RNZBy Ella Stewart of RNZDespite the global pandemic, lockdowns and job losses, New Zealanders spent more gambling on poker machines in 2020 than ever before. The quarterly spend was $252 million spent across 14,781 poker machines outside of casinos nationwide, the highest since records began in 2007. Problem Gambling Foundation chief executive Paula Snowden: "People losing the money are poor people in poor communities." Half of poker machines were located in poor communities, she said.

Source: New Zealand Herald March 23, 2021 04:41 UTC