New pokie machine restrictions in force

Hundreds of pokie machines have to be removed from pubs and clubs by midnight tonight under new restrictions in the revised Gambling Act passed by Parliament earlier this month.

The law sets a limit of nine machines at new sites, and the cap applies retrospectively to operators licensed after October 2001.

National Radio reported today the Government estimated about 1400 machines may have to be removed.

The Act also gives local councils the power to restrict the number of machines at new sites to below the maximum limit.

Internal Affairs Minister George Hawkins said he was sure his department would enforce the new rules.

The Problem Gambling Foundation said it was worried surplus machines might be exported to poor countries in the Pacific but the Gaming Machine Association was unaware of that possibility.

It said the machines were expected to be stored and used as replacements or for spare parts.

Operators who do not remove machines to meet the new maximum number could lose their licence to operate them.

- NZPA