The Gambling Venues Policy gives Council the ability to limit the number of gaming machines and New Zealand Racing Board venues in the District. The policy must be reviewed every three years.

The Gambling Venue Policy has the following objectives:

1. To provide the Manawatū District Council and the community with influence over the location and operation of Class 4 gambling venues and TAB venues within the Manawatū District.
2. To provide opportunities for people to participate in machine gambling and betting on galloping, harness and greyhound races and other sporting events within the Manawatū District.
3. To ensure that the local community may continue to access funding from the proceeds of Class 4 gaming in the District.
4. To have regard to the social impact of gambling within the Manawatū District, including the cumulative effects of additional opportunities for gambling.
5. To minimise harm from gambling, including problem gambling.

The full policy can be read under key documents to the right.

Council's Preferred Option

Council's preferred option for the draft Policy is Option 1, being the status quo, for the following reasons:

1. Existing societies operating gaming machines are able to operate as they do currently.
2. As there is no increase to the total number of gaming machines operating in the District, there is not expected to be any increase in adverse social impacts, including for problem gamblers.
3. Gambling venues provide entertainment and contribute to the vibrancy of town centres.
4. No change to the amount of grant funding available to those charities, community groups and sporting groups that rely on this funding.