Timaru District leads South Canterbury gaming machine spending in 2024

Only one district in South Canterbury recorded an increase in gaming machine wagers in 2024. 

New Zealand.- The Department of Internal Affairs has released figures on the performance of South Canterbury’s gaming machine sector in 2024. Players spent $12.8m on gaming machines, a decrease from the $13.13m in 2023.

Machines in the Timaru District, comprising Temuka and Geraldine, contributed the largest share of the wagers at $10.97m, a decline of 1.9 per cent from 2023.

In the final quarter of 2024, the Timaru District saw a reduction in machine venues, from 13 to 12. The number of machines fell from 166 at the start of the year to 159. The Timaru South Cosmopolitan Club opted not to renew its Class 4 gaming licence after it was forced to temporarily close due to being found selling alcohol and running machines without the required licences. It initially announced a deal with Trust Aoraki to provide gaming machines but announced its permanent closure on April 30. 

The Mackenzie District, which includes Fairlie, Tekapo, and Twizel, saw spending reach $1.1m, a rise of 0.64 per cent. The district has four venues with 36 machines. The Waimate District, with two venues and 17 gaming machines, saw a drop in player spending from $855,335 to $774,485.19.