The New Zealand Racing Board, which generates about $250 million a year in pokie machine revenue, wants to pump some of that money back into the racing industry. The move has sparked the ire of charitable groups, which get much of their funding from pokie machine revenue.

As it stands, more than a third of the revenue from pokie machines in clubs and bars throughout New Zealand goes into community trusts, which the charities apply for. The racing industry must also make an application if it wants access to the funds. But a recent proposal by the NZRB would divert some of that money directly into the racing industry, effectively shrinking the pool of money from which charities draw.

Though opposed by charities, officials from the NZRB maintain they are simply being more transparent.

The NZRB operates a small percentage of the 18,000 machines nationwide, though if the license change takes place, the number of operating venues could increase.

By GGB Staff

Staff writers for Global Gaming Business magazine. Las Vegas, Nevada.