Gaming machine profits set new record in New Zealand in Q4

Gaming Machine Profits (GMP) increased by 3.7 per cent during the fourth quarter, reaching NZ$252m (US$181.4m).

New Zealand.- New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs has reported that profits from non-casino pokie machines reached NZ$252m (US$181.4m) in the period from October to December 2020.

The number is the highest quarterly figure since the Department of Internal Affairs began keeping records in 2007 despite 2020 seeing a 14 per cent decrease for full-year gaming machine profits.

The figure for Q4 represents an increase of 4 per cent on the previous quarter.

Lotto saw a 13 per cent increase in revenue year-on-year to NZ$631m, driven by the absence of other forms of gambling, while casino revenue was down 22 per cent to NZ$504m due to Covid-19 countermeasures.

SkyCity’s Auckland casino reopened this week after a snap closure due to a new case of Covid-19.

New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs reported that in 2020 there were 75 fewer machines in operation and 12 fewer venues.

Peter Dengate Thrush, chair of the Gaming Machine Association, stated: “I’m proud that the positive returns for gaming will enable a much-needed boost for New Zealand communities in the form of increased funding to health, emergency, education, environmental, heritage, sports and arts organisations all over the country.”