Gambling Venues Policy

Council is gathering feedback from the community on the Gambling Venues Policy.

Council gathered feedback from the community on the Draft Gambling Venues Policy. 

Following on from earlier community engagement and consideration of a Social Impact Assessment Council asked the community for feedback on its Draft Gambling Venues Policy, which sets out where and how venues can operate electronic gaming machines (pokies) and where standalone TAB venues can be located. 

Following a review of the current policy, Council considered three options: 

  1. Keeping the status quo 
  2. Introducing restrictions on the number of gaming venues and machines, along with new location criteria and a cap on the number of machines per venue 
  3. Implementing a sinking lid approach which would gradually reduce the number of machines and venues over time 

After reviewing community and stakeholder feedback, the social impact assessment, and other key factors, the Council has chosen Option 2 as its preferred policy option. The draft policy includes the following restrictions: 

  • Cap the number of gaming venues and machines at current levels 
  • Limit each venue to a maximum of nine machines 
  • Ensure venues, including standalone TAB venues, are located more than 50 metres from community facilities 

Outcome

The Regulatory Hearings Committee met to hear submitters who wished to speak to their submissions on the draft Gambling Venues Policy.  Three submitters spoke via Zoom and Councillors asked a number of questions of each submitter.  After clarifying options with staff and discussion, Councillors unanimously approved the draft policy with the following amendments:

  • Increase the cap on the number of venues in the district from 7 to 8
  • Increase the cap on the number of pokie machines in the district from 58 to 66
  • Remove the requirement that all applications be publicly notified and submissions/objections made by the community and stakeholders.

The reasoning for removing the requirement for public notification is that, unlike the previous policy, the new policy provides very clear guidance on the total number of venues and machines. It also includes an absolute limit of 9 machines per venue and location restrictions in relation to sensitive sites such as schools. 

Applications will still need to be submitted and comply with the other requirements in the policy, which must be taken into consideration when evaluating each application.

Council gathered feedback from the community on the Draft Gambling Venues Policy. 

Following on from earlier community engagement and consideration of a Social Impact Assessment Council asked the community for feedback on its Draft Gambling Venues Policy, which sets out where and how venues can operate electronic gaming machines (pokies) and where standalone TAB venues can be located. 

Following a review of the current policy, Council considered three options: 

  1. Keeping the status quo 
  2. Introducing restrictions on the number of gaming venues and machines, along with new location criteria and a cap on the number of machines per venue 
  3. Implementing a sinking lid approach which would gradually reduce the number of machines and venues over time 

After reviewing community and stakeholder feedback, the social impact assessment, and other key factors, the Council has chosen Option 2 as its preferred policy option. The draft policy includes the following restrictions: 

  • Cap the number of gaming venues and machines at current levels 
  • Limit each venue to a maximum of nine machines 
  • Ensure venues, including standalone TAB venues, are located more than 50 metres from community facilities 

Outcome

The Regulatory Hearings Committee met to hear submitters who wished to speak to their submissions on the draft Gambling Venues Policy.  Three submitters spoke via Zoom and Councillors asked a number of questions of each submitter.  After clarifying options with staff and discussion, Councillors unanimously approved the draft policy with the following amendments:

  • Increase the cap on the number of venues in the district from 7 to 8
  • Increase the cap on the number of pokie machines in the district from 58 to 66
  • Remove the requirement that all applications be publicly notified and submissions/objections made by the community and stakeholders.

The reasoning for removing the requirement for public notification is that, unlike the previous policy, the new policy provides very clear guidance on the total number of venues and machines. It also includes an absolute limit of 9 machines per venue and location restrictions in relation to sensitive sites such as schools. 

Applications will still need to be submitted and comply with the other requirements in the policy, which must be taken into consideration when evaluating each application.

  • Council approves Gambling Venues Policy

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    Buller District Council (BDC) approved the new Gambling Venues Policy at its Regulatory and Hearing Committee Meeting on 22 April 2026.

    The new policy introduces tighter controls on the number and location of Class 4 Gambling machines (pokies) and stand-alone TAB venues across the district.

    Under the new policy, the number of Class 4 gambling venues and machines is capped at eight venues and 66 machines. The policy also restricts any new venues from being located within 50 metres of community facilities or sensitive sites, such as schools.

    The new policy removes the requirement that applications for new venues or

    Buller District Council (BDC) approved the new Gambling Venues Policy at its Regulatory and Hearing Committee Meeting on 22 April 2026.

    The new policy introduces tighter controls on the number and location of Class 4 Gambling machines (pokies) and stand-alone TAB venues across the district.

    Under the new policy, the number of Class 4 gambling venues and machines is capped at eight venues and 66 machines. The policy also restricts any new venues from being located within 50 metres of community facilities or sensitive sites, such as schools.

    The new policy removes the requirement that applications for new venues or additional machines be publicly notified and that submissions or objections be made by the community and stakeholders.

    The reasoning for removing the public notification requirement is that, unlike the previous policy, the new policy provides very clear guidance on the total number of venues and machines.

    Applications will still need to be submitted and comply with the other requirements in the policy, which must be taken into consideration when evaluating each application.

    Group Manager Regulatory Services Simon Bastion says the new policy aims to strike a balance between harm reduction and maintaining the community benefits that gambling revenue can bring.

    “We know there are real concerns about the impacts of gambling, and each submitter who spoke to the committee expressed their view well. Finding a balanced approach is particularly important with some of our community facing social and financial hardship.”

    The new policy will be reviewed in three-year intervals by the Council to ensure it meets the community's needs.

    The new policy was informed by earlier community engagement, a social impact assessment, relevant legislation, and the eight submissions received.

    Details of the consultation, including the draft policy, supporting documents, submissions, the submission report, and the final policy, are available on BDC’s community engagement hub, Let’s talk Buller.

    Disclaimer

    The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.


  • Council proposes cap on pokie venues and machines in new gambling venues policy

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    Buller District Council (BDC) will be seeking community feedback on a proposed new Gambling Venues Policy that would introduce tighter controls on the number and location of Class 4 Gambling machines (pokies) and stand-alone TAB venues across the district

    Under the draft policy, the number of Class 4 gambling venues and machines would be capped at current levels - seven venues and 58 machines. The policy would also restrict any new venues from being located within 50 metres of community facilities or sensitive sites, such as schools.

    Mayor Jamie Cleine says the draft policy aims to strike a balance between

    Buller District Council (BDC) will be seeking community feedback on a proposed new Gambling Venues Policy that would introduce tighter controls on the number and location of Class 4 Gambling machines (pokies) and stand-alone TAB venues across the district

    Under the draft policy, the number of Class 4 gambling venues and machines would be capped at current levels - seven venues and 58 machines. The policy would also restrict any new venues from being located within 50 metres of community facilities or sensitive sites, such as schools.

    Mayor Jamie Cleine says the draft policy aims to strike a balance between harm reduction and maintaining the community benefits that gambling revenue can bring.

    “We know there are real concerns about the impacts of gambling, particularly in communities already facing social and financial hardship.

    “At the same time, we recognise that Class 4 gambling also supports local groups and events through grants. This policy aims to carefully manage both sides of that equation.”

    The draft policy retains the existing process, where applications for new venues or additional machines must go through council and include public consultation.

    In developing the policy, council considered three options: keeping the status quo, introducing a ‘sinking lid’ (which would allow no new venues or machines), or adopting the preferred option - capping venues and machines at current numbers while adding new location restrictions and a per-venue machine limit of nine.

    The draft policy is informed by earlier community engagement, a social impact assessment, and relevant legislation. The social impact assessment highlighted the district’s high levels of socioeconomic deprivation, while also recognising the benefits Class 4 gambling brings the district in the form of community grants and entertainment.

    “We believe we have come to a balanced approach in the draft policy, and now we want to hear from the community before making any final decisions” continues Mayor Cleine.

    Public consultation will open in October for one month. The community and stakeholders will be invited to make written submissions, with the opportunity to speak at a hearing to be held soon after submissions close. Council will make a final decision on the policy following the hearing.

    Details of the consultation, including the draft policy, supporting documents and submission forms will be available on BDC’s community engagement hub Let’s talk Buller and at council’s libraries and service centres in Westport and Reefton, the Karamea Information Centre, and the Northern Buller Community Resource Centre.

    Disclaimer

    The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.