Green Party: SkyCity does not deserve additional pokies

SkyCity Casino should not get additional pokies after failing to stop a woman from gambling for ten hours, says Green Party.

In return for building the convention center, the New Zealand government has given SkyCity the rights to operate 230 additional poker machines and 40 new gaming tables, plus other benefits including the crucial extension of its gaming license until 2048.

Last month, Auckland Council granted resource consent for the $450m project, clearing the way for the construction to begin within the next few months.

However, New Zealand’s Green Party is calling on the government to withdraw a concession granting SkyCity Entertainment additional pokies after failing to ensure responsible gambling.