Photo: ODT filesProfits from pokies are increasing despite a drop in the number of gaming machines and venues. Despite profits rising, there are 2.4% fewer machines and a 2.8% drop in venues. There are 1130 venues and 15,342 gaming machines operating in New Zealand. In addition, she said Māori and Pasifika are over represented in problem gambling using pokie machines. She said this is why, with spending once again on the rise, pokies need to be removed from poorer communities.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 09, 2018 23:03 UTC