The Gambling Industry is known for promising Something for Nothing and seeking concessions, expansions, reduced regulations, eliminate consumer protections, and then some....
Stick to the script!
Parties warn against Sky City deal
Opposition parties are urging the government not to change gambling laws through a deal with Auckland's Sky City.
Approval was given six months ago for Sky City's plan to build a $350 million convention centre in return for it being allowed to increase the number of gaming tables and pokie machines in its casino.
Negotiations have been going on since then and it's been confirmed they'll be ramped up in coming months.
Labour's Auckland issues spokesman Phil Twyford says "chequebook legislation" isn't the New Zealand way.
"Most Kiwis will find it repugnant that the government should put the commercial interests of a multi-national corporation ahead of the best interests of New Zealanders," he said on Friday.
"It's good news that Auckland is likely to get a new convention centre but it isn't good news if the government is going to sign off legislation which will allow Sky City to install a whole heap of extra pokie machines and gambling tables."
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says the deal would amount to deregulation of the gaming industry and leave behind "a legacy of social wreckage for future generations to clean up".
Details of the negotiations aren't being revealed because they're commercially sensitive but Mr Peters says Sky City wants up to 900 more pokie machines and more relaxed controls on advertising gambling.
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