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Services › Casino and Non-Casino Gaming › News, Press Releases & Consultation
- Press Releases
- Gambits (Gambling Compliance quarterly newsletter)
- Consultations
What's new on this site
Press Releases
A record of press releases issued by the Gambling Compliance Group of the Department of Internal Affairs.Media contact: Sue Ingram – Phone: 04 494 0584, Mobile: 027 541 4696, Email: sue.ingram@dia.govt.nz
If you would like to have your organisation added to the Department’s distribution list for media releases about gambling issues, please email trevor.henry@dia.govt.nz
2013
- Casino cheats found guilty of deception 31/05/2013
- Jail and home detention for pokie grants offenders 01/05/2013
- Pokie takings down (30.04.2013)
- Guilty plea by Cook Islands promoter 01.03.2013
- Pokie grants investigation 20/02/2013
- DIA appeals High Court gambling judgement 10/02/2013
- Further drop in pokie numbers and spending 5/02/2013
- Former Maori All Black convicted for theft 25/01/2013
2012
- Spot prizes and the law 25/10/2012
- Pokie numbers and expenditure continue to fall 19/10/2012
- Galaxy loses pokie licence 20/09/2012
- Pokie operations to be suspended 12/09/2012
- Gaming machine trustee convicted for theft 19/08/2012
- Gaming machine numbers and expenditure down 27/07/2012
- Gambling trusts and venues must help problem gamblers 24/07/2012
- Gaming machines shut down 17/07/2012
- Bluegrass gambling operator's licence cancelled 04/07/2012
- Charge laid over false statement 03/06/2012
- Sentenced for defrauding community of pokie grants 25/05/2012
- Pokie expenditure drops in first quarter 27/04/2012
- Pokie spend rose in 2011 25/01/2012
2011
- Charges laid over gambling society grant 10/11/2011
- Gaming machine take lifts again 20/10/2011
- Pokie operator bows out 05/10/2011
- Running a RWC sweepstake? 09/09/2011
- Department swoops on illegal poker 26/07/2011
- Gaming machine expenditure lifts again 22/07/2011
- Gaming machine expenditure lifts 27/04/2011
- Pokie spend down over year 27/01/2011
- Integrity the priority for gambling compliance 20/01/2011
2010
- Guilty plea over gaming machine grants 21/12/2010
- Pokies allowed in smoking area 16/12/2010
- Tournament poker is gambling 17/11/2010
- Pokie spend up in third quarter 14/10/2010
- Pokie thief jailed 19/08/2010
- Casino non-payment to be investigated 06/08/2010
- Annual pokie spend continues down 20/07/2010
- System to improve gambling sector integrity 28/06/2010
- Ban on harness racing grants confirmed 28/05/2010
- Pokie operators to suspend business 05/05/2010
- Pokie expenditure down 19/04/2010
- Hamilton gambling raises concern 14/04/2010
- Leniency and co-operation policies adopted 07/04/2010
- Caversham appeal dismissed 31/03/2010
- Gamblers spent a little less in 2008/09 25/03/2010
- Pokie spend drops over year 29/01/2010
2009
- Clamp-down on pokie grants to trotting clubs 09/11/2009
- Pokie spend up in third quarter 14/10/2009
- Sport funding a non-issue for most 24/09/2009
- Art Deco Trust not focus of investigation 04/09/2009
- Pokie venues shut down 05/08/2009
- Annual pokie spend drops 5.3 per cent 14/07/2009
- Pokie spend drops 10 per cent 22/04/2009
- Gamblers spent a little more in 2007/08 17/02/2009
- Pokie spend down 28/01/2009
- House 'auction' illegal 20/01/2009
2008
- Caversham application fails 16/12/2008
- Agreement over soccer logo issue 20/11/2008
- Wine prize must be withdrawn 18/11/2008
- Pokie spend tracking down 23/10/2008
- Gaming machine licence continues 03/10/2008
- Publican fined for providing credit to gambler 28/08/2008
- Annual pokie spend drops 24/07/2008
- Bar manager convicted 03/07/2008
- Pokie spend drops 30/04/2008
- Few people say they gamble regularly 29/02/2008
- Nelson barman convicted 05/02/2008
- Spending on pokies up slightly 31/01/2008
2007
- Christchurch bar loses pokie licence 21/12/2007
- Pokie operator loses licence 20/12/2007
- Gambling spend increased in 2006/07 year 18/12/2007
- Pokie money to be repaid 06/11/2007
- Spending on pokies up again 31/10/2007
- More gaming machine money to the community 11/10/2007
- Pokies shut down for licence breaches 16/08/2007
- Guilty plea the only option 03/08/2007
- Spending on pokies up 01/08/2007
- Fewer gambling operators 18/04/2007
- Electronic watch on gaming machines 07/03/2007
- RSA fine for illegal gambling 01/03/2007
- Bookmaker convicted 27/02/2007
- Further drop in gaming machine numbers 23/01/2007
2006
- Warning to liquor stores 18/01/2006
- Gaming shop ordered to close 22/12/2006
- Pokie operation suspended 13/12/2006
- Gambling access restricted 11/12/2006
- Gambling spending drops in 2005/2006 year 08/12/2006
- ‘Pokies’ continue to decrease 20/10/2006
- Strong message to gambling operators 18/10/2006
- Gaming venue operator convicted 06/09/2006
- 'Watch and Win' an illegal lottery 17/08/2006
- Electronic monitoring of gaming machines under way 13/07/2006
- Further decline in gaming machines 12/07/2006
- Success in illegal casino prosecutions 05/07/2006
- Fewer 'Pokies' in the community 11/04/2006
- Sentinel licence cancelled 02/02/2006
- Further reduction in gambling facilities 31/01/2006
- Gambling spending drops in 2004/05 year 25/01/2006
2005
- Gambling compliance director appointed 16/12/2005
- Department applies to suspend Dunedin casino licence 10/11/2005
- Statistics suggest Gambling Act achieving its purpose to control the growth of gambling 10/10/2005
- New gambling regulations come into force 29/09/2005
- Big step towards electronic monitoring of gaming machines 08/09/2005
- Mandatory "pop-up" on gaming machines will interrupt gambling for 15 second intervals 01/09/2005
- First Gambling Act sentencing: $12,000 fine for illegal gambling 30/08/2005
- Next step toward electronic monitoring system for gaming machines, consultation on fees 27/07/2005
- Parliamentary committee dismisses complaints about mandatory messages on gaming machines 25/05/2005
- Contract signed for electronic monitoring of gaming machines in pubs and clubs 17/05/2005
- Gambling Statistics: Casino compliance with Gambling Act 21/04/2005
- Gambling Statistics: Number of operators continues to fall, machine numbers could drop more in future 05/04/2005
- What are the real odds? Department helps gambling operators with information they must provide 31/03/2005
- Ticket-in, ticket-out system at Sky Casinos 24/02/2005
- Totals reduce, but gambling operators and venues get bigger 27/01/2005
2004
- Gambling inspectors, Christmas at casinos 21/12/2004
- Rules for preventing harm caused by gambling 14/12/2004
- Court of Appeal endorses Department’s policy on how much pubs should be paid to host gaming machines 07/12/2004
- Court of Appeal decision on how much pubs should be paid to host gaming machines (PDF, 225K)* 07/12/2004
- Proposals made for electronic system to monitor gaming machines in pubs and clubs 25/10/2004
- Gaming machine regulations: more funding for community groups 21/10/2004
- First quarter of Gambling Act: limits on casinos, fewer gaming machines 08/10/2004
- Gambling operators urged to reapply or risk licences expiring 27/09/2004
- Gambling levy introduced (Media Statement from Hon George Hawkins and Hon Damien O'Connor) (PDF, 94K)* 02/09/2004
- Gambling Act rules: How much should pubs be paid to host gaming machines? 02/09/2004
- Problem gamblers barred from casinos, operators lose licences 01/09/2004
- Young people gambling, texting and the Gambling Act 18/08/2004
- Gaming machine numbers continue to decline 14/07/2004
- Gambling Act changes to all forms of gambling 29/06/2004
- Harder to get a gaming machine licence, easier to lose it 22/06/2004
- Electronic monitoring of gaming machines comes closer 17/06/2004
- New gambling fees: Most community groups no longer pay fees 03/06/2004
- Internal Affairs and Police raid illegal casino 31/05/2004
- More money for the community as High Court decision upholds Department approach to gambling sector expenses 26/05/2004
- High Court judgment endorses Department's approach to gambling sector expenses - Pub Charity v Attorney General (PDF, 176K)* 25/05/2004
- Electronic monitoring of all gaming machines comes closer 03/05/2004
2003
- Gambling Act tightens restrictions preventing children playing gaming machines 25/09/2003
- Tasman Trust vs. Attorney General - Auckland High Court decision confirming that money for charities cannot be used to subsidise pubs (PDF, 900K)* 31/07/2003
- Interim approach to dispensations for site payments (see High Court decision below) 15/04/2003
- Judgment following judicial review of gaming machine site payment policy - Pub Charity v Attorney General (High Court Wellington) (PDF, 1.5M)* 06/03/2003
Consultations
Current Consultations
There are no current consultations.Previous Consultations
Consultation on possible regulations to exempt spot prize draws from the definition of gambling (06/03/2013)
The Department of Internal Affairs, on behalf of the Minister of Internal Affairs, is seeking your views on possible regulations to exempt spot prize draws from the definition of gambling under the Gambling Act 2003 (the Act).The consultation document invites your comments about this proposal.
The possible exemption will mean that events where spot prize draws are held will no longer be subject to the current gambling licensing and administrative requirements.
Submissions closed 4 April 2013.
Proposed Amendments to the Rules of Casino Table Games (28/09/2012)
The Secretary for Internal Affairs, subject to appropriate consultation, is able to make, amend or revoke rules under section 367 of the Gambling Act 2003.The Department of Internal Affairs has received a request for amendments to the Rules of Casino Table Games. Explanations of the amendments are provided within this document, and full versions of the proposed amended rules are available on the Department’s website.
We invite you to review the proposed amendments and submit your views and comments to the Department of Internal Affairs.
In making your submission, we seek your input on how you consider this amendment relates to the Gambling Act's purposes in general, and also in particular the Act's purposes to "Prevent and minimise the harm caused by gambling, including problem gambling", to Ensure the integrity and fairness of games", to "Limit opportunities for crime and dishonesty" and to "Facilitate responsible gambling".
If the amendments are made, a notice will be published in the Gazette stating that the game rules have been amended, made or revoked and the date on which the changes will take effect.
Submissions on these proposals close on 26 October 2012.
- Consultation (PDF, 671K)* (whole document)
- Consultation letter (Word, 175K) (letter only)
Proposed Amendments to the Minimum Technical Requirements for Electronic Monitoring Systems (18/05/2012)
The Secretary for Internal Affairs is able to prescribe minimum standards for the design, manufacture, and performance of gambling equipment under section 327 of the Gambling Act 2003.This consultation primarily proposes amendments to the standards for the voluntary pre-commitment facility which forms a part of the requirements for monitoring systems in New Zealand casinos.
If the amendments are made, a notice will be published in the Gazette stating that the standards have been amended and the date on which the changes will take effect.
Submissions on these proposals closed on 1 June 2012.
Proposed Amendments to the Rules of Casino Table Games (15/05/2012)
The Secretary for Internal Affairs, subject to appropriate consultation, is able to make, amend or revoke rules under section 367 of the Gambling Act 2003.The Department of Internal Affairs has received a request for amendments to the Rules of Casino Table Games. Explanations of the amendments are provided within this document.
We invite you to review the proposed amendments and submit your views and comments to the Department of Internal Affairs.
In making your submission, we seek your input on how you consider this amendment relates to the Gambling Act's purposes in general, and also in particular the Act's purposes to "Prevent and minimise the harm caused by gambling, including problem gambling", to Ensure the integrity and fairness of games", to "Limit opportunities for crime and dishonesty" and to "Facilitate responsible gambling".
If the amendments are made, a notice will be published in the Gazette stating that the game rules have been amended, made or revoked and the date on which the changes will take effect.
Submissions on these proposals closed on 8 June 2012.
Proposed Developments / Enhancements / Maintenance (DEM) Policy Document (03/2/2012)
The Department consulted on a draft policy document on the treatment of development, enhancement and maintenance (DEM) costs.The focus of the document is to make the existing policy for DEM costs incurred at class 4 venues and the Department's expectations in relation to these costs clear.
Submissions closed Friday 2 March 2012.
- Cover Letter (PDF, 54K)* | (Word, 89K)
- Proposed Developments / Enhancements / Maintenance (DEM) Policy Document (PDF, 202K)* | (Word, 228K)
Proposed Amendments to the Rules of Casino Table Games (18/10/2011)
The Department consulted on proposed amendments to the Rules of Casino Games.The Secretary for Internal Affairs, subject to appropriate consultation, is able to make, amend or revoke rules under section 367 of the Gambling Act 2003.
A corresponding amendment is also being proposed to the rules for Electronic Roulette. Amended versions of the rules can be found below.
Amendments will need to be assessed to ensure they are consistent with the purposes of the Gambling Act. Submissions closed on 3 November 2011.
- Cover Letter: Proposed Amendments to the Rules of Casino Games (PDF, 65K)* | (Word, 184K)
- Division 8 - Roulette (PDF, 602K)* | (Word, 1.1M)
Proposed Amendments to the Rules of Casino Table Games (24/02/2011)
The Department consulted on proposed amendments to the Rules of Casino Table Games in respect of roulette.The Secretary for Internal Affairs, subject to appropriate consultation, is able to make, amend or revoke rules under section 367 of the Gambling Act 2003.
The Department received a request for amendments to the Rules of Casino Table Games, and took this opportunity to propose some additional minor amendments.
Explanations of the amendments are provided within this document, and full versions of the proposed amended rules are available below.
Submissions closed Thursday 24 March 2011.
- Cover Letter: Proposed Amendments to the Rules of Casino Table Games (PDF, 169K)*
- Casino Promotions (PDF, 54K)*
- Division 1 - General Rules for Table Games (PDF, 45K)*
- Division 2 - Blackjack (PDF, 212K)*
- Division 5 - Baccarat (PDF, 200K)*
- Division 6 - Caribbean Stud Poker (PDF, 88K)*
- Division 7 - Tournament Play (PDF, 49K)*
- Division 8A - Electronic Roulette (PDF, 154K)*
- Division 9 - Tai Sai (PDF, 167K)*
- Division 10 - Money Wheel (PDF, 111K)*
- Division 11 - Craps (PDF, 84K)*
- Division 12 - Pai Gow (PDF, 203K)*
- Division 13 - Poker (PDF, 129K)*
- Division 14 - Tournament Poker (PDF, 25K)*
- Division 15 - Pontoon (PDF, 61K)*
- Division 16 - Ultimate Texas Hold'em (PDF, 42K)*
- Division 17 - Three Card Poker (PDF, 39K)*
- Division 18 - Casino War (PDF, 42K)*
Proposed amendments to Gambling (Class 4 Net Proceeds) Regulations 2004 (19/11/2010)
The Department consulted on a proposal to change the Gambling (Class 4 Net Proceeds) Regulations 2004 so that non-casino gaming machine societies can make multi-year grants to the same recipient or recipients. Currently, the Regulations prohibit this.The consultation document includes a proposal to make some additional regulations so that societies do not inadvertently breach other statutory provisions if multi-year grants are allowed, and to deal with the spending of residual gaming machine profits.
Submissions closed 5pm Friday 17 December 2010.
- Cover Letter: Proposed amendments to Gambling (Class 4 Net Proceeds) Regulations 2004 (PDF, 15K)*
- Consultation: Proposed amendments to Gambling (Class 4 Net Proceeds) Regulations 2004 (PDF, 57K)*
Consultation (Round Two): Proposed Casino Monitoring System (15/11/2010)
The following document details proposed minimum technical requirements to feature in a Minimum Standard for a casino electronic monitoring system.Following on from round one of the consultation exercise posted on 05/07/2010 (see below), round two is now open for your consideration.
The Department looks forward to receiving your feedback, which will be considered along with all the submissions received from the first round.
Correspondence should be emailed to angela.ibbotson@dia.govt.nz or posted to the Gambling Compliance Group (C/O Angela Ibbotson).
Please contact Angela if you require additional explanation from the Gaming Technology unit.
Submissions closed on Monday 29 November 2010.
Proposed Amendments to the Rules of Casino Games - Three Card Poker (08/10/2010)
The Department consulted on proposed amendments to the Rules of Casino Games – Three Card Poker.The Secretary for Internal Affairs, subject to appropriate consultation, is able to make, amend or revoke rules under section 367 of the Gambling Act 2003.
The following letter initiated consultation on three proposed amendments to the rules for casino games in respect of Three Card Poker.
Submissions closed on Monday 8 November 2010.
- Cover Letter: Proposed Amendments to the Rules of Casino Games - Three Card Poker (PDF, 20K)*
- Consultation: Proposed Amendments to the Rules of Casino Games - Three Card Poker (PDF, 27K)*
Consultation (Round One): Proposed Casino Monitoring System (05/07/2010)
SkyCity Entertainment Group Ltd has submitted an application for minimum standards to enable the introduction of a new casino monitoring system.Minimum standards are prescribed by the Secretary of Internal Affairs pursuant to section 327 of the Gambling Act 2003 and section 372 of the Act provides and obligation for the Secretary to consult with those likely to be affected.
The proposed system is wide ranging and would provide the casino and its customers with a number of new tools.
The consultation period ended on Thursday 5 August 2010. The second technical stage of the consultation is above.
- Cover Letter (PDF, 34K)*
- Consultation (Round One): Proposed Casino Monitoring System (PDF, 554K)*
Minimum Equipment Standards for Jackpot Systems (11/12/2009)
The Department consulted on amendments to Minimum Equipment Standards for Jackpot Systems.The proposal suggests the withdrawal of non-downloadable jackpots and the addition of a credit limit on gaming machines.
The consultation period was extended to Friday 5 March 2010.
- Cover Letter (PDF, 34K)*
- Consultation: Minimum Equipment Standards for Jackpot Systems (PDF, 132K)*
Proposed Amendments to Minimum Equipment Standards (27/08/2009)
The Department consulted on proposed amendments to the Minimum Equipment Standards (MES) being issued.The consultation period ended on Friday 11 September 2009.
- Cover Letter: Proposed Amendments to Minimum Equipment Standards (PDF, 92K)*
- Consultation: Australian / New Zealand National Gaming Machine National Standard - Revision 10 (NS10) (PDF, 665K)*
- New Zealand Casino Gaming Machine Appendix to the NS10 (PDF, 309K)*
- New Zealand Class 4 Gaming Machine Appendix to the NS10 (PDF, 311K)*
- Amendment to Gambling Act (Class 4 Gambling Equipment) Minimum Standard 2004 (PDF, 98K)* Minimum Technical Requirements for EMS - QCOM version 1.6.3
Proposed Amendments to Casino Game Rules 16/04/2009
The Department consulted on proposed amendments to Casino Game Rules.The proposed amendments seek to remove the restriction on the number of Cash-In/Ticket-Out machines in casinos; amend the game denominations on Ticket-In/Ticket-Out gaming machines; and amend the pay scale on Caribbean Stud Poker progressive jackpots.
The consultation period ended on 15 May 2009.
Categorisation of Venue Costs under the Gazette Notice and the Reasonable Timeframes Associated with Labour Tasks (08/04/2009)
The Department consulted on the categorisation of venue costs under the Limits and Exclusions on Class 4 Venue Costs Notice 2004 and the reasonable timeframes for the completion of labour tasks associated with hosting gaming machines.This document is intended to form the basis on which the Department will assess Class 4 venue costs in the future.
The consultation period ended on 29 May 2009.
- Cover Letter (PDF, 140K)*
- Categorisation of Venue Costs under the Gazette Notice and the Reasonable Timeframes Associated with Labour Tasks (PDF, 122K)*
- Class 4 Venue Labour Costs Benchmarking Project Report (PDF, 183K)*
- Colmar Brunton New Zealand Labour Survey (PDF, 1.9M)*
Possible Exemptions to the Gaming Machine Definition in the Gambling Act 2003 (16/07/2008)
This paper invited feedback on a proposal to make regulations under section 368 of the Gambling Act 2003.The proposed regulations are to exempt about a dozen currently operating examples of two casino games, and several categories of gambling equipment, from the gaming machine definition in section 4 of the Act.
The consultation period ended on 31 August 2008.
- Cover Letter (PDF, 92K)*
- Consultation: Possible Exemptions to the Gaming Machine Definition in the Gambling Act 2003 (PDF, 155K)*.
Establishing a Standard Approach to Information Gathering from Class 4 Gambling Operators (16/06/2008)
Establishing a standard approach to information gathering from Class 4 gambling operators:- Class 4 Information Project Final Report (PDF, 133K)*
- Appendix A (PDF, 125K)* Consultation document - Establishing a Standard Approach to Information Gathering from Class 4 Gambling Operators
- Appendix B (PDF, 153K)* Analysis of submissions - Information Gathering
- Appendix C (PDF, 85K)* Letter to stakeholders - Class 4 Information Needs – Grants Information
- Appendix D (PDF, 82K)* Draft categories for authorised purpose information
- Appendix E (PDF, 232K)* Consultation document - Options for a Standard Approach to Information Gathering from Class 4 Gambling Operators: Exclusion Orders
- Appendix F (PDF, 75K)* Analysis of submissions - Exclusion Orders
Amendments to the Limits and Exclusions on Class 4 Venue Costs Notice 2004 (18/04/2008)
The Department consulted on amendments to the Limits and Exclusions on Class 4 Venue Costs Notice 2004 to recognise that the limits in the notice are exclusive of GST.The consultation period ended on 9 May 2008.
- Consultation Letter (PDF, 133K)*
Minimum Equipment Standards for Jackpot Systems (07/01/2008)
The Department consulted on Minimum Equipment Standards for Jackpot Systems.Among other matters, the document anticipated the withdrawal of all non-downloadable jackpots by 1 July 2009.
The consultation period ended on 1 February 2008.
- Cover Letter (PDF, 156K)*
- Proposed Minimum Equipment Standard for Jackpots (PDF, 560K)*
Proposed new gambling fees to take effect from 1 January 2008 (22/08/2007)
This document invited feedback on proposed new gambling fees to take effect from 1 January 2008:- Review of fees under the Gambling Act (PDF, 72K)*
The consultation period ended on 24 September 2007.
Consultation on options for a standard approach to information gathering from Class 4 Gambling Operators (06/07/2007)
This discussion document proposes a method for collecting the type of information required to meet policy and stakeholder needs in relation to exclusion orders.It follows on from the earlier paper below.
The consultation period ended on 27 July 2007.
- Consultation on options for a standard approach to information gathering from Class 4 Gambling Operators (PDF, 85K)*
Establishing a standard approach to information gathering from Class 4 Gambling Operators (17/01/2007)
This paper is part of a project aimed at identifying stakeholder and Department of Internal Affairs policy information needs in relation to Class 4 gambling and recommending processes to meet those needs.The consultation period ended on 23 February 2007.
- Establishing a standard approach to information gathering from Class 4 Gambling Operators (PDF, 65K)*
EMS Game Rules - Consultation Document (29/01/2006)
This document sets out proposed changes to games rules as a result of the Electronic Monitoring System (EMS).The consultation period ended on 1 February 2005.
- EMS Game Rules - Consultation Document (PDF, 100K)*
Gambling Act 2003: Consultation on Electronic Monitoring System Fees Regulations(27/07/2005)
This consultation document invites comments on proposals to make regulations for fees to meet the costs of implementing and operating an electronic monitoring system (EMS) for Class 4 gaming machines.The consultation period ended on 30 September 2005.
Consultation on Minimum Technical Requirements for Electronic Monitoring System (10/05/2005)
Consultation on Minimum Technical Requirements for Electronic Monitoring System (EMS).The Department issued a consultation document to all Class 4 societies and manufacturers of gaming machines inviting comment on minimum technical standards.
The consultation period ended on 10 June 2005.
- Letter to Societies (PDF, 108K)*
- Proposed Minimum Standard (PDF, 350K)*
Consultation on Licensed Promoter Regulations (17/12/2004)
This consultation document invited public comments on proposals to make licensed promoter regulations under the Gambling Act 2003.The consultation period ended on 4 February 2004.
- Consultation on Licensed Promoter Regulations (PDF, 50K)*
Proposed Development of Protocol Based Third Party System Connection to Class 4 Gaming Machines (06/07/2004)
Feedback on Proposed Development of Protocol Based Third Party System Connection to Class 4 Gaming Machines.This discussion document outlines the development of protocol based third party system connections to class 4 gaming machines.
It was sent out to manufacturers of third party equipment organisations and those short listed for the Electronic Monitoring System (EMS) monitor, with the accompanying covering letter on 6 July 2004.
Submissions closed 23 July 2004.
- Covering Letter (PDF, 62K)*
- Discussion Document (PDF, 252K)*
Consultation on Minimum Standards for Gambling Equipment - Reply to Industry (30/06/2004)
Consultation on Game Rules Classes 1 to 4, Minimum Standards, and Limits on Venue Expenses (18/05/2004)
For more information see: Letter to Gaming Machine Societies (PDF, 86K)*Formal consultation on an Electronic Monitoring System (EMS) for Class 4 gaming machines (10/05/2004)
Formal consultation on an Electronic Monitoring System (EMS) for Class 4 gaming machines, under the terms of the Gambling Act 2003.Consultations on different aspects of the Gambling Act 2003 (22/03/2004)
Consultations on the following aspects of the Gambling Act 2003: Proposed Infringement Offences for Casino Game Rules; Games played on Gaming Machines in Class 4 Venues - Outside Casinos; Limits on Venue Expenses; Game Rules Class 1, 2 and 3 - Lotteries, Instant Games and Games of Chance and Prize Competitions. Submissions are now closed.Housie Rules Consultation (19/03/2004)
Following the enactment of the Gambling Act 2003, the old Housie Regulations will be repealed and replaced by new Housie Rules, which will take effect from 1 July 2004.The purpose of this consultation document is to invite feedback on what the new Housie rules should look like:
- Housie Rules Consultation Document (PDF, 180K)*
Second Discussion Paper on Site Payments (22/12/2003)
The Department has been reviewing its policy and licence conditions relating to gaming machine site payments.The following page contains two discussion papers on site payments, a draft summary of the submissions received on the first discussion paper, and the Department's interim policy on site payments:
First Discussion Paper on Site Payments Policy (23/05/2003)
The Department is reviewing the policy and licence conditions relating to the payments societies make to the businesses at which their machines are operated:- First Discussion Paper on Site Payments Policy (PDF, 30K)*
Consultation Guidelines
The Department has developed Consultation Guidelines on who we consult with and when/how we do it.The guidelines also explain what consultation is and what you can expect during and after consultation.
- Purpose
- What consultation is
- What consultation isn’t
- Types of consultation
- When we consult
- Who we consult
- How we consult
The business of the Gambling Compliance Group includes the development of policies, guidelines, rules, standards and licence conditions. The Gambling Act 2003 (the Act, stipulates formal consultation processes for regulatory tools such as game rules and minimum equipment and operating standards. Other policies, guidelines, administrative procedures (i.e. licensing procedures), audit processes and forms that we develop do not require a formal consultation process. However, we do often choose to consult on such matters.
The aim of this document is to provide you with information on who we consult with and when/how we do it. The document also details what consultation is and isn’t and what you can expect during and after consultation.
What consultation is
Consultation is the seeking of views, information or feedback from people or agencies that have an interest in or are affected by a policy issue.
Consultation ensures that people or groups who may be affected by a policy, rule, procedure, form or standard have an opportunity to make their views heard. This allows the policy makers to consider their views when making final decisions or recommendations.
What consultation isn't
Consultation is not the taking of instructions. When consulting, we must take into account all views and make recommendations in accordance with Government policy. There is rarely a single point of view – a complex question may have many possible answers. However, it is not always possible to reflect all views in the final policy decision. Similarly, consultation cannot be a process of ‘give and take’, negotiation or compromise. The aim is to impartially identify the best solution to a problem, irrespective of whether this favours particular interests.
Types of consultation
Consultation can be formal or informal. Formal consultation will usually take the form of a discussion document that invites submissions on issues raised in the discussion document. This type of consultation may be with combined face-to-face consultation in the form of meetings, hui, focus groups, interviews or presentations, to name a few.
Informal consultation may also consist of a discussion paper that invites submissions and face-to-face meetings. The difference between formal and informal consultation is that specific processes will apply to formal consultation (i.e. timing, who to consult and when to consult), whilst informal consultation is more flexible. Sometimes the Department will conduct informal consultation before it embarks on a formal consultation process.
When we consult
The Act states that we must formally consult before game rules, minimum standards and minimum operating standards are made. This means that when proposed rules or standards have been drafted we must seek comment on them before we finalise and formally specify them. In some circumstances, we may consult with selected stakeholders on the desirability of making particular rules or standards. This kind of consultation may occur before the formal consultation on drafted rules, or it may happen simultaneously. In relation to particularly complex issues, we may embark on a significant and potentially lengthy consultation process with a wide range of interested stakeholders.
When developing policies, guidelines and administrative procedures, audit processes or forms, we may decide to consult stakeholders, but we are not required to. However, in the interests of maintaining good relationships and obtaining the broadest and most relevant information, we will very often consult.
When issues are particularly complex or controversial we will consult earlier rather than later using a variety of consultation methods, and seek comment from a wide array of stakeholders. We will not always consult on a large scale, either because it is not appropriate or there are particular constraints that we must work within. However, we will always meet our statutory obligations.
Who we consult
In relation to game rules and standards, the Act states that we must consult with ‘those most likely to be affected’. This will vary from issue to issue, but in general it will include: gambling operators; problem gambling treatment providers; other sector interest or reference groups; lobby groups, territorial authorities; the Ministry of Health; overseas regulators; and representatives of the people most likely to be affected by the issue at hand. Often it will also be appropriate to consult with manufacturers, researchers and experts.
We make every endeavour to ensure that those we consult with who are ‘representative’ of a particular group, are indeed truly representative of that group.
In general we will consult with those people or groups:
- We have a statutory obligation or legal requirement to consult with
- Likely to be directly affected
- With expert knowledge
- Who are able to provide a unique or alternative perspective
- Who should be consulted with as a matter of courtesy or political etiquette
- Who are willing to be consulted
What you can expect during the consultation process
You can expect the following from us when we consult, formally or informally:
- Our invitation to provide comment is made in good faith – we are genuinely seeking your views
- We will allow sufficient time for you to consider and respond. We generally allow 20 working days. In some instances, it may be appropriate to extend the consultation period, for example when an issue is particularly complex. In other instances it may be appropriate or necessary to consult over a shorter period of time
- We will provide you with sufficient information to allow you to make an informed response
- We will make ourselves available during the consultation period if you need more information or want to clarify anything
- Consultation documents will:
- Take relevant matters into account
- Identify significant points of view
- Be impartial
- Present issues and analysis objectively
- Identify, where relevant, advantages and disadvantages of particular options
- Provide complete and fair information
- Canvas all significant stakeholders
- Advise people that their submissions and any information they provide are subject to the Official Information Act 1982.
As a general rule the Department will provide feedback to stakeholders on the results of consultation. This may be done by way of meetings, letters to those consulted, or publication on the DIA website. We will often invite further comment from stakeholders on ‘final’ decisions or guidelines, though we are not legally obliged to. We are more likely to do this when the matter at hand is controversial or of particularly wide interest.
In relation to minimum operating standards for casinos, we must provide the reason for our decision to the relevant casino operator.
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