Gaming machines have been permitted to operate since 1988 and their number and popularity have grown considerably during this time. There are now more than 20 000 such machines operating in New Zealand. These are all owned and operated by trusts that are legally bound to direct funds to the community.

Gaming trusts do not derive 'profits' in the commercial sense. Instead, funds are used to benefit the community through a system of grants. Gaming trusts currently give grants of more than $300 million per year to sporting, educational, health and arts groups, as well as other charities. A similar amount is contributed to the government in GST and duty.

Elsewhere

Gambling Act 2003 on the New Zealand Legislation website

Regulations made under the Gambling Act (Department of Internal Affairs)

Guide to club mergers in section 95 Gambling Act (PDF 85KB). Clubs who wish to merge can apply to the Minister of Internal Affairs to operate up to 30 machines at the merged club venue

Gambling Act fact sheets (Department of Internal Affairs)

Forms including personal information form and licence application (Department of Internal Affairs)

Electronic monitoring system (Department of Internal Affairs)

Gambits periodical (Department of Internal Affairs)

Problem gambling information (Department of Internal Affairs)

Class 1, 2 and 3 gambling - housie, raffles, sweepstakes and other gambling activities (Department of Internal Affairs)

Funding for community groups (Department of Internal Affairs)