By STACEY BODGER
The building of casinos in New Zealand could be banned for another three years if legislation planned by Internal Affairs Minister Mark Burton goes ahead.
A bill to be introduced to Parliament this week would extend the three-year moratorium on the granting of licences by the Casino Control Authority.
An extended ban would hold up plans for casinos in Rotorua and Wellington.
It is unclear, though, whether Mr Burton's bill will be passed, because gambling is a conscience issue and MPs are free to vote according to their own beliefs.
Mr Burton hopes the legislation will be passed before the ban under the Casino Control (Moratorium) Amendment Act is lifted on October 15.
He wants the moratorium continued to give the Government time to review the gaming sector, including the industry's regulatory structure, services for problem gamblers and the growth of internet gambling.
Auckland, Queenstown, Dunedin and Christchurch already have casinos, with a second Queenstown casino expected to open by Christmas.
Mr Burton believes that most MPs will support an extended ban and he does not think it will harm tourism or economic development.
His announcement has thwarted plans by Rotorua Casinos to apply for a licence on October 16, the day after the present ban expires.
Company chairman Malcolm Short said: "We have sat patiently and waited for three years and I think we are now being treated badly."
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