Media Release
14 November 2007

Clubs and hotels should be treated the same

Clubs and Hotels should operate with the same limitations under the Gambling Act, says Bruce Robertson, Chief Executive of the Hospitality Association.

Presenting to the Government Administration Select Committee considering the Gambling Act Amendment Bill Mr Robertson argued against provisions which would allow clubs who merge to have up to 30 gaming machines. Existing hotels are limited to 18 gaming machines and new venues to nine.

Clubs spend all the proceeds on themselves while all the proceeds from hotels are distributed to the community. Mr Robertson cited the recently released Department of Internal Affairs report "Where do the profits go?" which shows that in 2000 clubs spent $37 million on themselves while giving only $1.6 million to the community, and in 2005 clubs spent $42 million on themselves while giving only $1.3 million away.

The supposed generosity of the clubs sector is a myth and does not justify special treatment, said Mr Robertson.

For further information and comment contact:
Bruce Robertson
Chief Executive
Hospitality Association of NZ