Christchurch pokie rise 'dramatic', 'unprecedented'

Some people have been using Red Cross earthquake grants to play the pokies. Photo / Christchurch Star

A spike in pokie machine spending has raised fears earthquake-hit Christchurch residents are becoming addicted to gambling.

Spending on pokies in Christchurch, Selwyn and Waimakariri increased by more than $4 million in the last three months, new Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) figures show.

The $22.9 million spent on Christchurch pokie machines from March 31 to June 30 was about $2.7 million more than any other quarterly spend in the last two years.

Problem Gambling Foundation Christchurch spokesman Tony Milne said the spending increase was unprecedented and dramatic.

It showed many Canterbury residents were turning to gambling to deal with the aftermath of the February 22 Christchurch earthquake, he said.

"People are playing the machines as a way to escape the ongoing stress of the aftershocks, the stress they're experiencing in their everyday lives.

"Some people who need not have otherwise been a problem gambler may use a machine to escape stress and in the process become addicted to the machine."

Mr Milne said it was concerning the spending spike came at a time when many residents had evacuated the city and earthquake-damaged gambling venues were closed.

He said a gambling venue he visited about five weeks ago had all its 18 pokie machines occupied and at least three people waiting in line to use them.

"Even though there are fewer machines and fewer people we've got much more spending."

Mr Milne said statistics show 40 per cent of pokie machine spending is by problem gamblers.

Each one of those people has a "direct impact" on between five and 15 others, he said.

He called on venue owners to be vigilant and approach all customers to express their concern about post-earthquake problem gambling.

Christchurch City Council has a sinking lid policy for new gambling venues, meaning it does not issue any new pokie machine licenses.