SkyCity’s Proposed Expansion of Pokies Smoking Deck Sparks Controversy

A dispute is brewing over SkyCity’s proposal to expand a balcony area at its casino where patrons can smoke and engage in pokies gambling simultaneously. Anti-smoking group Action on Smoking and Health (ASH) and the Problem Gambling Foundation strongly oppose the plan, contending it poses additional risks to vulnerable individuals.

Concerns Over Extended Gambling Sessions

Andre Froude from the Problem Gambling Foundation expressed concern that allowing patrons to combine smoking or vaping with gambling removes opportunities for breaks, a vital tool in harm minimization. He stated:

“We know that’s a vital harm minimisation tool. They can walk away from these machines that are highly addictive and can reflect on their gambling and just have a break.”

Froude argued that such uninterrupted activity could exacerbate gambling addiction, particularly since smoking is known to correlate with higher risk gambling behaviors.

Link Between Smoking and Problem Gambling

The foundation’s stance is supported by research indicating a strong link between smoking and drastic gambling behavior. Froude cited studies suggesting that gambling is often co-occurring with smoking, and continued smoking may increase the likelihood of transitioning into problematic gambling.

This overlap between smoking and gambling poses significantHealth risks, especially considering New Zealand’s goal to become smokefree by 2025.

SkyCity’s Response and Compliance

SkyCity has applied to the Gambling Commission to modify an existing balcony area for smoking customers. The casino claims it will adhere to all legal requirements, ensuring the balcony remains open and gambling activities are not visible from outside.

However, Froude disputed the casino’s compliance claims, emphasizing that the proposed graphics do not depict an open area. Further, he argues that the new balcony could potentially hold more patrons and gambling machines, contrary to legal stipulations.

Strategic Harm Minimization Measures

The Problem Gambling Foundation contends that allowing extended simultaneous smoking and gambling undermines harm minimization strategies. Froude emphasized:

“People fall through the cracks, they’re taking away one of those good harm minimisation measures, which is people going to take a break and moving away from the machine and by allowing them to do this why would they want to do that?”

These concerns highlight the importance of breaking the cycle between smoking and gambling, especially given that smokers are statistically more likely to become problem gamblers.

Impact on Vulnerable Populations

The potential expansion of the smoking pokies deck is particularly alarming given that smoking rates are concentrated in vulnerable communities. Ben Youdan, the director of anti-smoking group ASH, highlighted that New Zealand’s smoking rates are already at an all-time low, primarily affecting lower-income groups and those with mental health issues.

Youdan condemned the move, viewing it as a deliberate exploitation of these already at-risk populations:

“Building a large dedicated smoking and gambling deck is deeply manipulative of people who smoke. It will increase harm all round and [is] a double blow for public health.”

Despite these objections, SkyCity maintains its stance, stating that the expansion would comply with all regulations.

Future Actions and Stakeholder Involvement

The Problem Gambling Foundation plans to submit a detailed opposition to the Gambling Commission’s application. Froude called for public health considerations to override commercial interests and ensure the welfare of vulnerable communities.

To address these concerns, stakeholders are invited to contribute submissions, aiming to reflect a comprehensive range of viewpoints.

Conclusion

The proposed expansion of SkyCity’s smoking pokies deck has ignited a fiery debate between business interests and public health concerns. While SkyCity asserts legal compliance, the opposition highlights the potential to exacerbate additive behaviors among already vulnerable populations.

This controversy underscores the ongoing need for vigilant risk management and a balance between commercial operations and societal well-being.

What do you think about SkyCity’s plan? Should they proceed with the expansion, or are the risks too great? Share your thoughts below and subscribe to Archynetys for more updates on this developing story.