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New Zealand Prime Minister Defends SkyCity's Video Poker Machines

23 April 2012 by Jeremy Wilson

This story was published more than 11 years ago.

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key dismissed critics who said that SkyCity Auckland's permit to add 500 poker machines will increase problem gambling.

Speaking to TV ONE's breakfast show, the Prime Minister said: "Even if you turn the whole lot off, New Zealanders will do what they're doing today and that is log into the internet and gamble online".

The concerns of increased problem gambling were raised by the Green Party, who say that more gambling machines will raise the possibility of more people becoming addicted to gambling.

Some claim that the casino was allowed to install the extra machines because they built a national convention center. Those claims have been dismissed by the Prime Minister, who claims that SkyCity put in the most feasible proposal that required the least support from the government.

About the author

Jeremy Wilson // Senior Editor
Jeremy Wilson
Jeremy has senior editorial responsibilities across all areas of the site. He lives in Sydney, Australia and has been working with Casino Listings in various roles since its inception in 2007. His go-to game is Blackjack.