Opinion

Pokie machines: they've got to go

Jehan Casinader
Sat, 31 Oct 2020

The entertainment scene has changed over the years. We no longer allow people to smoke in bars. We don’t allow them to drive home drunk.But we still allow people to sit in the dark recesses of a pub or restaurant and pour money into pokie machines. I’m sure there are some who enjoy an occasional spin, using leftover change from their fish-and-chips meal. But let’s not kid ourselves. Many of those who use pokie machines have an unhealthy relationship with gaming. They may not be considered “addicts”,...

Unlock all stories
free for 10 days

Trustworthy, balanced journalism every day from our growing team of New Zealand business reporters and commentators, plus more in our weekend magazine section, The Life.

Instant News Alerts based on keywords you choose or journalists you follow
Our Daily Digest of all stories at 6am, midday or 6pm
Comprehensive business and markets coverage
News vie email, web and Apple/Android apps

Try for 10 days without paying and if you’re not convinced cancel with just two clicks.

Find out more

Subscribe now

Name

E-Mail Address

Password

Confirm Password

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Cardholder's Name

Card

You will be charged in 10 days unless you cancel beforehand. We will remind you three times before charging you.
All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service {{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Or Subscribe with Google

Not convinced yet?

Subscribe to our Daily News Update free newsletter.

Coronavirus

400 trainee pilots allowed into NZ

Brent Melville | Sat, 23 Oct 2021

Pilot trainees will make up 40% of the latest cohort of international students allowed in from mid-2022, with an assumption that tight border rules will still be in place.

Technology FREE

Review: NuraTrue, the earbuds that listen to you

Henry Burrell | Sat, 23 Oct 2021

Personalised audio at a relatively affordable price point. It's a winning combination.

On the Money

On the Money: IRD's rich list, Damian O'Connor's FTA in MIQ, and more

Rebecca Stevenson | Sat, 23 Oct 2021

OTM this week: what does Inland Revenue consider rich, why was Damian O'Connor absent from the FTA celebrations, which new car is triggering FOMO amongst the Remuera Tractor set, and more.

Pokie machines: they've got to go

Subscribe now

Or Subscribe with Google

Not convinced yet?

Your company has a subscription

Team