Two investigations into Christchurch Casino have both concluded that no action needs to be taken. The first investigation found that Casino Inspectors from the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) do not get free meals from the casino and that all necessary steps are taken to maintain appropriate separation between the inspectors and the casinos. The second investigation involved allegations made by former senior managers at Christchurch Casino. The report states that although the investigation is on-going the allegations are unlikely to be substantiated.

According to the Government, prior to the Gambling Act 2003 casinos were licensed to support an immature but growing tourist industry. The Act was passed to move the focus from the merely regulatory nuts and bolts to a more mature consideration of the need to reduce opportunities for social harm and criminal activity. Now the casino industry is one of the most heavily regulated commercial activities in New Zealand.

Internal Affairs Minister Rick Barker commented, “Voluntary compliance by participants in the sector is one of the objectives of our work and I was pleased to see in the report that when casinos become aware of unlawful or socially harmful behaviour, they take action.” He added, “Looking forward, the report raises a number of questions, in the broader context, about how government agencies could operate more effectively with the sector.”

The Minister has instructed his officials to go and develop a more comprehensive understanding on issues such as loan-sharking and money laundering, and find ways of getting government agencies and the gambling sector to work better together to identify the problems. “The aim of this work will be to more effectively wrap government agencies around the sector so they can engage and work proactively with the sector to help resolve the issues we may identify going forward.” (E-07.26.07)

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