New Zealand’s Christchurch City Council’s gambling venue policy states it will not grant consent under section 98 of the Gambling Act 2003 to allow any increase in gaming venues or machine numbers. However, the New Zealand Metropolitan Trotting Club (NZMTC) is seeking an amendment to that policy so that it can install gaming machines. Over 700 members of the 1200-member Christchurch racing club have responded to a petition to support the move, with only one member opposing.

The club hopes that operating poker machines will allow it to offer larger prize purses and prevent the move of horses and trainers to the more lucrative Auckland race circuit. The club's main argument, disputed by some, has been the possible loss of 5000 jobs and NZ$143 million of economic activity. The Addington Raceway is the only major harness racing venue in New Zealand that does not own or operate gaming machines on site.

The NZMTC has applied for a Class 4 Venue licence and Christchurch City Council's regulatory and planning committee will meet next Thursday to consider the request. The Club has asked for local people to register their approval of the plan in order to demonstrate significant community support for making the racecourse venue a special case. The regulatory and planning committee will make a recommendation to be considered by the Council on July 22. (E-06.25.10)

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