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Chief Executive Bruce Robertson, along with the Chief Executive of the Charity Gaming Association and Phil Holden – representing the five major trusts, have now met with the new Minister of Internal Affairs Nathan Guy. The group re-presented the proposal to move payments to gaming venue operators to a commission basis. The Minister indicated some sympathy for the Association’s proposal to move to a commission based payment system, and is consulting with his colleagues accordingly.
Meantime the Department of Internal Affairs is continuing to analyse the 200 submissions it received on the cost categorisation exercise and indicated that they should have a report by October, but don’t envisage a change if any to occur before 1 July 2010. The Minister of Internal Affairs Nathan Guy will be addressing members at the 8th National Gaming and Entertainment Forum, being held on Tuesday 29 September as part of the Hospitality Showcase, at the Bayview Wairakei Resort Taupo. Register for the conference here.
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Some gaming trusts are prepared to support members travel costs to attend the National Gaming and Entertainment Forum and members should approach their gaming trust to see whether they are prepared to assist.
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The Association has made submissions to the Ministry of Health on the setting of the Problem Gambling Levy for 2010-2012. The Association has argued against any increases in the Problem Gambling Levy based on the reduction in presentations. A copy of the full submission can be read here.
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The TAB has slashed commissions for 113 social agencies. This insane decision is impacting severely on members and the historic goodwill the industry has with the racing industry. To date the Association has met with the new Chief Executive Andrew Brown, met with the Minister of Racing, written to the Commerce Commission and undertaken extensive legal investigation. It is apparent that the agreements signed by the 113 affected members provide for the TAB to arbitrarily cut commission rates. It is anticipated that the TAB will cut other social agencies when their agreements allow.
Affected members have been encouraged to exercise their disputes provision clause within their contracts, and the TAB has responded offering a meeting. The Association recommends that that opportunity be taken to reiterate members’ concerns at the cut in commissions and also to propose alterations to the contract to compensate such as reduced opening hours.
So where to from here? The TAB will only change this policy if they get sufficient pressure from the racing industry and in particular, the racing clubs. Individual members should:
a) Talk to the TAB about their individual concerns.
b) Talk to any contacts they have within the racing industry, indicating that this move will cost the racing industry a lot more than the benefit from reduced commission fees.
c) If they have gaming machines consider whether they wish to have their venue associated with a Trust that supports the racing industry.
d) Meeting with their local Member of Parliament to indicate the impact of the TABs abuse of monopoly powers.
e) Write to the Minister of Racing, the Hon John Carter, Parliament Buildings, Wellington.
It is clear that no real progress will be made while the TAB has a monopoly, and the Association will be taking every opportunity to advocate for the removal of the TAB’s monopoly rights and an alternative betting form being available for licensed premises. It should be noted that the other major monopoly wagering business Lotto, pays its retail outlets 7% commission.
Andrew Brown has been invited to speak to members at the 8th National Gaming and Entertainment Forum in Taupo on Tuesday 29 September but is unlikely to attend. All interested TAB members are encouraged to attend the conference as it is proposed to find an opportunity for affected TAB operators to meet to consider further action.
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Chief Executive Bruce Robertson has made the following comments in his regular column to be published in the next issue of NZ Gaming.
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The finalists for the Awards for excellence have been announced, and congratulations to following finalists in the Excellence in Gaming category:
Excellence in Gaming, sponsored by IGT New Zealand
Grosvenor Hotel, Timaru
Rossco’s Caf￩, Tauranga
StockXchange, Christchurch
Winton Hotel, Winton
View the full list of Awards finalists here.
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What has been happening in your region? Go to your regional update and find out about local events, awards and the great advocacy work regarding key hospitality issues.
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Read more articles of interest from E-Line Food & Beverage, or E-Line Accommodation |
