Slot machines grow in New Zealand

“Pokie” machines – as slot machines are regionally known – reported positive results in the country.

New Zealand.- Licensed slot machine operations reported a growth during the second quarter of the current year in New Zealand. The reports were published by the Department of Internal Affairs of New Zealand (Te Tari Taiwhenua), showing that licenced gaming operations have contributed to the governmental funds.

The reports, based on the Gaming Machine Proceeds (GMP), address the licensed slot operations from April to June of this year. As reported by the official Department of New Zealand, the GMP rose last quarter the result obtained by slot machines over the same quarter a year before. The operations achieved a total of NZ$6,846,240 (US$4,508,257.28).

Casino operations reported a general growth, from which poker machines generated 3.1 per cent. Pokies, or slot machines, are Class 4 gambling machines. The results obtained by the government were invested in communities’ social and economic developments.

This increase comes even as New Zealand reduced the number of gambling facilities and machines: last year the number of machines fell from 3.1 per cent to 12,000, whilst facilities decreased 4.2 per cent to 1,163.