Gaming Machines

The Gambling Act 2003 gives Council the responsibility for determining how Class 4 gambling venues are operated in the Waimate District.

The Gambling Venues Policy sets out the framework, rules and responsibilities for people and businesses operating gaming machines (also known as 'pokies').

Class 4 gambling venues can be established within the Business Zones 1 (Commercial Focus) and 2 (Mixed Business Use Area) as long as certain conditions are met:

Meeting application and fees are paid
The number of gaming machines proposed for the venue being able to be met within the overall district cap (maximum) on machines and venue licences determined by Council
The main activity of the venue is not associated with family or children's activities

Number of gaming machines

Existing venues, with licences issued after 17 October 2001 and operating fewer than nine (9) gaming machines, shall not be allowed to increase the number of machines operated at the venue to more than nine (9).

Overall cap on gaming machines and venues

The total number of gaming machines operated within the Waimate District will not exceed twenty (20).

The number of Class 4 gambling venues within the district will not exceed eight (8). However, where a society surrenders or ceases to hold its Class 4 venue licence in relation to a particular venue, a licence may be granted to that society or to another society in relation to a different venue.