Gambling Group newsletter

Gambits - News for the gambling sector

Gambits provided information about the Department's work and significant issues in the gambling sector, aimed at gaming machine societies, site operators, sector organisations and the community in general, to increase understanding of and compliance with the law.

The publication has now been discontinued, and replaced with Director's update.

See also: Gambling News, Press Releases and Consultation

2021

Gambits 30 June 2021

  • Message from our new Gambling Director
  • Susan Allen - Deputy Director Operations
  • Three-year licensing to end
  • What is behind the licensing delays?
  • Publishing Venue-level Gaming Machine Profits (GMP)
  • Collecting Grants Data update
  • Te Tari Taiwhenua Finance System changes
  • Gambits subscription

Gambits May 2021

  • Message from our new Gambling Director
  • We're all responsible for reducing gambling-related harms
  • Venue, club, and casino staff - culture of care
  • Societies and harm minimisation
  • Local government – policy and community voice
  • The Gambling Group - Te Tari Taiwhenua
  • Problem gambling service providers
  • Iwi, hapū and whānau

Gambits March 2021

  • Message from our Gambling Director
  • Announcing our new Strategic Direction
  • September - December 2020 Quaterly Gaming Machine Profits

2020

Gambits 10 December 2020

  • Message from our Gambling Director
  • 20 years of Gambits
  • Gambling statistics and the GMP dashboard
  • Webinar: Monitoring Net Proceeds
  • DIA Close Down Dates
  • Review your Gambits subscription

Gambits 21 August 2020

  • Chris Thornborough Acting Director Gambling
  • Guidance for Territorial Authorities 
  • Improving the Gambling Website
  • Renew your Gambling Subscription
  • GMP
  • Gambling Harm Awareness Week

Gambits 31 March 2020

  • Class 4 licensing and fees during C4 inactivity
  • Class 1-3 gambling for fundraising and COVID-19
  • COVID-19 updates

2019

Gambits 18 December 2019

  • Looking ahead to 2020
  • Using technology to work more efficiently
  • Gambling Commission decision on TAB Newtown
  • Guidelines for directing grants to support victims of Whakaari White Island
  • Reminder to bank GMP on time
  • Banking dates for the 2019 holiday period
  • New resource now available – introduction to Gambling Host Responsibility
  • Is your EMS access secure?
  • GMP data for Q3
  • New Code for advertising gaming and gambling in effect

Gambits 15 October 2019

  • Who's who
  • Five sentenced for misuse of grant funding
  • Rugby World Cup 2019 Sweepstakes
  • IMPORTANT NOTICE FOR SOCIETIES, CLUBS and VENUES - Scheduled EMS Service Outage: Normal gaming operations will continue during the outage
  • Mystery Shopper and main use piloted
  • UPDATE: Online Gambling Consultation
  • Did you know?
  • Education /Training Opportunity

Gambits 3 September 2019

  • It's Gambling Harm Awareness Week
  • Gambling Harm Awareness Week is an opportunity to focus on reducing harm
  • Minimising Gambling Harm Campaign - South Auckland
  • FREE Gamble Host Resources for venues
  • Online Gambling - Have your say
  • Gambits Survey - what you've said
  • Reminder to venues - keep your EMS Site Controller keys onsite

Gambits 11 July 2019

  • Gambits Survey - last chance
  • Getting to know the sector
  • Recognising Best Practice: Grassroots Trust granted three-year licence
  • Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm launched
  • Problem Gambling Levy
  • What are the raffle rules?

Gambits 16 May 2019

  • New Director appointed Regulatory System, Gambling
  • Improving and rewarding performance - C4 three-year licence
  • Investigating cashless gambling
  • Storing of C4 gambling machines financial documents
  • Evaluation of the Gamble Host resources and training
  • Resources for Māori, Pacific and Asian audiences
  • Q&A: Gaming operators and tax exemption
  • Gambits – Tell us what you think

Gambits 11 April 2019

  • The role of the regulator
  • Prosecution for failing to identify a problem gambler
  • Improved ordering system for FREE Gamble Host Resources
  • Gamble Host resources Evaluation
  • Exploring cashless gambling
  • Warning international gambling sites not to trade on New Zealand's good name
  • Society banking audits almost complete
  • New guidance for Clubs
  • New Code for advertising gaming and gambling
  • Changes and reminders:
    • Performance Report needs to be included with licence applications
    • Remember to notify removal or disposal of Gambling Machines in storage
    • Independent Chartered Accountant Signoff required for forecast information

Gambits 19 March 2019

  • Guidelines for directing grants to support Christchurch
  • It's a good time to enhance our Culture of Care

Gambits March 2019

  • Moving from regime to system
  • Mystery shopper returns
  • Online gambling
  • Did you know? (Latest gambling stats)
  • Minimising harm in Omakau
  • Five found guilty
  • Changes and Reminders

2018

Gambits:now 20 September 2018

  • Extension of Consultation on the Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm

Gambits:now 20 August 2018

  • Consultation on problem gambling strategy and levy for 2019/20-2021/22

Gambits:now 21 June 2018

  • Gambling Harm Awareness Week - Time to Pause?

Gambits:now 11 June 2018

  • 2017 Gambling Sector Survey report
  • National Multi Venue Exclusion (MVE) administration service
  • Qualified Auditors
  • Agreed-upon procedures reports on forecast financial information

Gambits:now 11 April 2018

  • Regional Workshops: successful pilot and future plans
  • Do registered charities need to provide audited accounts for grant applications?
  • Three year licences come to class 4
  • Venue Manager assessment – GC5 forms
  • Department staff change: Investigating Accountant
  • Introducing Rano Community Trust Limited
  • Gambling license renewal applications

Gambits:now 26 February 2018

  • Latest gambling figures released
  • Regional workshop feedback and future dates
  • Compliance update:
    - What is your gambling area?
    - Rounding of gaming machine prizes.
    - Licence conditions relating to gaming room access.
    - Exclusion orders.

Gambits:now 18 January 2018

  • Regional workshops: An opportunity for venue managers, operators and other regionally based stakeholders to engage with the Department face-to-face

Index 2003-2017

View the Gambits Index to locate the topic/article you are looking for. The Index contains a key with page and issue numbers.

2017

Gambits:now 15 December 2017

  • The year that was
  • The year to come

Gambits:now - 13 December 2017

  • Regional engagement survey – tell us what you think
  • New venue assessment information published on website
  • Cash-In-Ticket-Out venue licences for class 4 venues

Gambits:now - 5 December 2017

  • Change of Gambling Compliance Group address and Christmas closure
  • EMS website passwords must be updated every 90 days
  • Venues must not be used mainly for operating gaming machines
  • Reminder of banking dates over the Christmas holidays

Gambits:now - 17 November 2017

  • New approach to assessing venues
  • Disposing of Gambling Equipment

Gambits:now - 13 October 2017

  • Regional forums to be held early 2018
  • Gamble Host resources available
  • Banking dates over the Christmas & New Year period

Gambits:now - 20 September 2017

  • Redemption Terminals permitted in Class 4 Venues
  • Pause the pokies

Gambits:now - 24 August 2017

  • Venue payments
  • Electronic banking now permitted

Gambits:now - 3 August 2017

  • Mystery shopper – recognition of good practice in class 4 venues
  • Mystery shopper – practice to be avoided in class 4 venues
  • Summary of key legal obligations for class 4 harm minimisation

Gambits:now - 27 July 2017

  • Third man sentenced in pokie related fraud case

Gambits:now - 13 July 2017

  • Two men sentenced for pokie related fraud

Gambits:now - 10 July 2017

  • Cancelled Credit and Manual Payments Procedure
  • Reminder for clubs: use the new electronic forms and address for invoice payments
  • Gambling Compliance Group staff changes
  • Sales Promotion Schemes

Gambits:now - 28 June 2017

  • Mystery shopper gaming machine results

Gambits:now - 16 June 2017

  • Gambling Compliance Group staff changes
  • Changing from a Friendly Society to an Incorporated Society

Gambits:now - 9 June 2017

  • Gamble Host resources now available

Gambits:now - 30 May 2017

  • Gamble host harm minimisation train-the-trainer workshops
  • Exclusion orders without photographs

Gambits:now - 17 May 2017

  • Fortune Technology Corporation in liquidation
  • Interruption of EMS and IGP service scheduled for Wednesday 14 June 2017 and Wednesday 5 July 2017

Gambits:now - 10 May 2017

  • Minor issue with format of emailed licensing invoices
  • Working with Akarana Community Trust
  • Assessment of DIA's status as the gambling regulator
  • Consultation on Best Practice (Three Year) Licence closes 19 May

Gambits:now - 2 May 2017

  • Update on upcoming activities and engagement

Gambits:now - 28 April 2017

  • Gambling Licences: New Application Forms and Payment Processes Are Here!
  • Update to authorised purpose guidelines on lobbying purposes

Gambits:now - 7 April 2017

  • Consultation Opens on Best Practice (Three Year) Licence
  • Updated licensing application forms and payment process coming 24 April

Gambits:now - 27 March 2017

  • Gareth's update on changes in Gambling Compliance

Gambits:now - 21 March 2017

  • Ongoing Class 4 prosecutions
  • Updates to licensing application forms and payments

Gambits:now - 10 March 2017

  • Class 4 Gambling Report

Gambits:now - 24 February 2017

  • 2016 Gambling Sector Survey report

Gambits:now - 25 January 2017

  • Published list of approved games

2016

Gambits:now - 16 December 2016

  • Gareth's reflection on 2016

Gambits:now - 2 December 2016

  • Pokie proceeds - building strong communities
  • New Gaming Machine Standard comes into force

Gambits:now - 4 November 2016

  • Consultation on self-service ticket redemption terminals

Gambits:now - 21 October 2016

  • Multi Venue Exclusion: review recommendations
  • Gaming machine spending continues to rise

Gambits:now - 30 September 2016

  • Reminder about new class 4 grant publication requirements

Gambits:now - 27 September 2016

  • Gambits article – Mystery Shopper exercise

Gambits:now - 21 September 2016

  • With commission-based venue payments now a little over a week away, new forms have been published on our website for the new system

Gambits:now - 14 September 2016

  • Guidelines for new venue payment system now available

Gambits:now - 2 September 2016

  • Update on the new venue payment system
  • Turnover and GST
  • Reimbursing costs incurred in September
  • Amending venue cost schedules between now and 3 October
  • Venue agreements
  • DEM reimbursements
  • Updated forms
  • Sector guidance

Gambits:now - 25 August 2016

  • Venue licensing project update

Gambits:now - 15 August 2016

  • Potential acquisition of Intralot New Zealand by Tatts Group Ltd

Gambits:now - 5 August 2016

  • Gambling Commission clarifies the purpose of Gambling Act provision relating to NZRB venue licence applications

Gambits:now - 27 July 2016

  • Clarification on new venue payment proposed regulations
  • The new venue payment regulations do not apply to clubs that operate gaming machines on their own premises
  • Air conditioning
  • DEM costs outstanding as at 3 October

Gambits:now - 15 July 2016

  • Online resource to help in understanding community needs
  • Class 4 Game Rules Support Guidelines

Gambits:now - 11 July 2016

  • Consultation opens on proposed regulations for Class 4 venue payments
  • New venue payments frequently asked questions

Gambits:now - 27 June 2016

  • Gambling review discussion document released

Gambits:now - 23 June 2016

  • New grant publication requirements
  • Update on upcoming Class 4 consultation
  • Integrated Gambling Platform (IGP) update

Gambits:now - 14 June 2016

  • New Equipment Standard for Ticket-Out Payment Systems

Gambits:now - 2 June 2016

  • Update on new Problem Gambling Levy Regulations

Gambits:now - 27 May 2016

  • Consultation opens on revised New Zealand Appendices to the Australian/New Zealand Gaming Machine Standard
  • New three-year strategy to address gambling harm released

Gambits:now - 13 May 2016

  • New venue payments system for hosting gaming machines
  • New venue payments FAQs

Gambits:now - 12 May 2016

  • Consultation process for New Zealand Appendices to the Australian/New Zealand Gaming Machine National Standard 2015
  • Making a difference – the grant benefit story
  • Interruption of EMS and IGP service scheduled for Wednesday 18 May

Gambits:now - 27 April 2016

  • Interruption of EMS and IGP service scheduled for Wednesday 18 May

Gambits:now - 20 April 2016

  • A message from the Director, Gambling Compliance
  • Details of a recent voluntary one-day suspension
  • A Ministry of Health gambling research update.

Gambits:now - 15 April 2016

  • Loss of GMP in exceptional circumstances – who bears the loss?
  • Gambling Host Responsibility Guide for Venue Staff – updated information
  • Submissions called for on proposed changes to the Racing Act

Gambits:now - 7 April 2016

  • Minister Dunne announces next steps for gambling review and decision on minimum rate of return

Gambits:now - 1 April 2016

  • Softball club captain sentenced for grant funding fraud

Gambits:now - 24 March 2016

  • Gambling consultation
  • Gambling Sector Survey Report
  • Management changes

Gambits:now - 1 March 2016

  • Consultation on gaming machine standards
  • Gambling Commission clarifies appeal rights on new Class 4 licences
  • Class 4 Game Rules 2016 effective from 7 March

Gambits:now - 25 February 2016

  • Gambling expenditure up for the 2014/15 financial year

Gambits:now - 16 February 2016

  • Club undertakes voluntary suspension

Gambits:now - 4 February 2016

  • Class 4 Game Rules 2016 effective from 7 March 2016
  • Focus group recommendations on new venue payments regime

Gambits:now - 3 February 2016

  • Gaming machine expenditure up over 2015

Gambits:now - 22 January 2016

  • Internal Affairs investigation leads to prosecution
  • New Gambling Fees coming into effect

2015

Gambits: Issue 59 - December 2015

Gambits:now - 11 December 2015

  • New Gambling Fees coming into effect on 1 February 2016

Gambits:now - 16 November

  • Update on gambling fees
  • Submissions on minimum rate of return closing

Gambits:now - 12 November 2015

  • Gaming room theft warning

Gambits:now - 29 October 2015

  • Key Person information clarification

Gambits:now - 22 October 2015

  • TVNZ ‘Mystery Shopper’ at Sky City Casino

Gambits:now - 21 October 2015

  • Royal assent

Gambits:now - 16 October 2015

  • New Class 4-focused gambling law about to take effect

Gambits:now - 7 October 2015

  • Minister Dunne announces Class 4 gambling package

Gambits:now - 6 October 2015

  • No 3 Bill passes committee of the whole House
  • Introducing the Milestone Foundation

Gambits:now - 28 September 2015

  • Submissions on Class 4 Game Rules closing

Gambits:now - 7 July 2015

  • New Class 4 gambling law coming

Gambits:now - 3 July 2015

  • Changes to licensing forms: helping ensure access to gambling areas is controlled

Gambits:now - 25 May 2015

  • Working with Infinity Foundation to improve community benefit

Gambits:now - 6 May 2015

  • Venue transfers

Gambits:now - 15 April 2015

  • ANZAC Day - Banking of GMP

Gambits:now - 8 April 2015

  • Proposed gambling fees consultation - additional information

Gambits:now - 2 April 2015

  • Licence applications – probity check delays
  • Gambling staff changes

Gambits:now - 27 March 2015

  • Fake pokie technician

Gambits:now - 20 March 2015

  • Gambling Fees Consultation Forum for Class 4 licence holders

Gambits: Issue 58 - March 2015

Gambits:now - 5 March 2015

  • Gambling fees review update

Gambits:now - 4 March 2015

  • Gambling fees review consultation document available

Gambits:now - 3 March 2015

  • Consultation on gambling fees review

Gambits:now - 25 February

  • New gambling law about to take effect

Gambits:now - 24 February 2015

  • Multi-Venue Exclusions – Review

Gambits:now - 12 February 2015

  • Media spotlight on Mystery Shopper

Gambits:now - 2 February 2015

  • Pokie fraud accused appear in court

2014

Gambits: Issue 57 - December 2014

Gambits:now - 4 December 2014

  • Gambling operators need to improve problem gambling identification

Gambits:now - 18 November 2014

  • Gambling Amendment Bill (No 3)

Gambits:now - 22 October 2014

  • Regional Gambling forums: change of dates

Gambits:now - 15 October 2014

  • Reminder: Reduction of EMS and IGP services on 22 October

Gambits: Issue 56 - September 2014

Gambits:now - 10 September 2014

  • Reduction of EMS and IGP services
  • Fortune Technology Jackpot systems

Gambits:now - 28 August 2014

  • Christchurch bar loses licence to operate pokies

Gambits:now - 6 August 2014

  • Regulatory reforms update

Gambits:now - 5 August 2014

  • Bluegrass licence cancellation

Gambits: Issue 55 - July 2014

Gambits:now - 16 July 2014

  • Gambling sector survey

Gambits:now - 8 July 2014

  • Temporary change to Director Gambling Compliance

Gambits: Issue 54 - May 2014

Gambits: Issue 53 - March 2014(PDF, 1.9MB)*
Gambits: Issue 53 - March 2014 (HTML)

2013

Gambits: Issue 52 - December 2013(PDF, 734KB)*
Gambits: Issue 52 - December 2013 (HTML)

Gambits: Issue 51 - September 2013 (PDF, 1MB)*
Gambits: Issue 51 - September 2013 (HTML)

Gambits: Issue 50 - July 2013 (PDF, 1.2MB)*
Gambits: Issue 50 - July 2013 (HTML)

Gambits: Issue 49 - March/April 2013 (PDF, 1.7MB)*
Gambits: Issue 49 - March/April 2013 (HTML)

2012

Gambits: Issue 48 - December 2012 (PDF, 1.6MB)*
Gambits: Issue 48 - December 2012 (HTML)

Gambits: Issue 47 - September/October 2012 (PDF, 1.6MB)*
Gambits: Issue 47 - September/October 2012 (HTML)

Gambits: Issue 46 - July 2012(PDF, 1.5MB)*
Gambits: Issue 46 - July 2012 (HTML)

Gambits: Issue 45 - March 2012 (PDF, 1.2MB)*
Gambits: Issue 45 - March 2012 (HTML)

2011

Gambits: Issue 44 - December 2011 (PDF, 1.1MB)*

Gambits: Issue 43 - September 2011 (PDF, 1.1MB)*

Gambits: Issue 42 - June 2011 (PDF, 998KB)*

Gambits: Issue 41 - April 2011 (PDF, 993KB)*

2010

Gambits: Issue 40 - December 2010 (PDF, 741KB)*

Gambits: Issue 39 - September 2010 (PDF, 603KB)*

Gambits: Issue 38 - June 2010 (PDF, 483KB)*

Gambits: Issue 37 - March 2010 (PDF, 564KB)*

2009

Gambits: Issue 36 - December 2009 (PDF, 620KB)*

Gambits: Issue 35 - September 2009 (PDF, 403KB)*

Gambits: Issue 34 - June 2009 (PDF, 466KB)*

Gambits: Issue 33 - March 2009 (PDF, 425KB)*

2008

Gambits: Issue 32 - December 2008 (PDF, 1.9MB)*

Gambits: Issue 31 - September 2008 (PDF, 481KB)*

Gambits: Issue 30 - June 2008 (PDF, 560KB)*

Gambits: Issue 29 - March 2008 (PDF, 506KB)*

2007

Gambits: Issue 28 - December 2007 (PDF, 467KB)*

Gambits: Issue 27 - September 2007 (PDF, 747KB)*

Gambits: Issue 26 - June 2007 (PDF, 2.2MB)*

Gambits: Issue 25 - March 2007 (PDF, 412KB)*

2006

Gambits: Issue 24 - December 2006 (PDF, 395KB)*

Gambits: Issue 23 - September 2006 (PDF, 1.4MB)*

Gambits: Issue 22 - June 2006 (PDF, 766KB)*

Gambits: Issue 21 - March 2006 (PDF, 630KB)*

2005

Gambits: Issue 20 - December 2005 (PDF, 300KB)*

Gambits: Issue 19 - September 2005 (PDF, 500KB)*

Gambits: Issue 18 - June 2005 (PDF, 390KB)*

Gambits: Issue 17 - March 2005 (PDF, 1.2MB)*

2004

Gambits: Issue 16 - December 2004 (PDF, 960KB)*

Gambits: Issue 15 - September 2004 (PDF, 946KB)*

Gambits: Issue 14 - June 2004 (PDF, 800KB)*

Gambits: Issue 13 - March 2004 (PDF, 1MB)*

2003

Gambits: Issue 12 - December 2003 (PDF, 700KB)*

Gambits: Issue 11 - July 2003 (PDF, 2MB)*

Gambits: Issue 10 - April 2003 (PDF, 1MB)*

2002

Gambits: Issue 9 - December 2002 (PDF, 476KB)*

Gambits: Issue 8 - September 2002 (PDF, 1.2MB)*

Gambits: Issue 7 - July 2002 (PDF, 319KB)*

Gambits: Issue 6 - March 2002 (PDF, 40KB)*

2001

Gambits: Issue 5 - December 2001 (PDF, 91KB)*

Gambits: Issue 4 - August 2001 (PDF, 243KB)*

Gambits: Issue 3 - June 2001 (PDF, 93KB)*

Gambits: Issue 2 - March 2001 (PDF, 108KB)*

2000

Gambits: Issue 1 - December 2000 (PDF, 116KB)*

 

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