Gambling shop ordered to close

Rotorua gaming machine venue Whiskey Jack's has been ordered to close for breaching the Gambling Act.

The Gambling Commission backed a Department of Internal Affairs' decision not to renew the venue's licence.

First Sovereign Trust, which operates the machines at Whiskey Jack's, has been told to shut up shop immediately.

Internal Affairs decided not to renew Whiskey Jack's licence because the venue continued to be used as a gaming shop, which the Gambling Act forbids. The trust appealed, but the Gambling Commission endorsed the decision.

There had been serious breaches over a long period of time, the commission said.

- NZPA