New Zealand's Department of Internal Affairs has recovered NZ$11.5 million ($6.6 million) following a compliance probe into pokies operators. The funds will be redirected to community organisations.
The regulator targeted Class 4 operators — non-commercial pokies trusts required by law to distribute net proceeds from gaming machines to purposes specified in their licences. The DIA found widespread breaches: money earmarked for community grants was being spent on operators' own needs, including new machines and administrative costs.
Vicki Scott, director of gambling compliance at the DIA, said most operators cooperated and addressed the issues, but enforcement will continue. 'We have made significant progress, but this is not the end. We will keep returning funds to communities, improving compliance and maintaining trust in the Class 4 sector,' she said.
One operator, One Foundation, had its licence suspended for six days over accounting failures and its failure to surrender a venue licence when required by law. The DIA has also issued new financial guidelines for Class 4 operators, spelling out accounting requirements and obligations to prevent a repeat.
While the land-based sector faces enforcement action, New Zealand is preparing to launch a licensed online market in 2027. No more than 15 licences will be issued. Entain and Super Group have both stated they intend to apply for three licences each.
