SkyCity opens doors to gambling help services

SkyCity Casino Auckland has become the first casino in New Zealand to open its doors to gambling help services in order to help problem gamblers, local media reports.

According to Hāpai Te Hauora, the name for the public health department in Auckland, the move is unprecedented, allowing them to give immediate help to those seeking support.

“This is the largest casino in the country where problem gambling takes place” said Haylee Koroi of Hāpai Te Hauora.

“That's why we are here so we can see those who need help, who are gambling on gaming machines.”

“We see ourselves as having a real responsibility in ensuring that those people who do come to our properties enjoy their time and see gambling as a form of entertainment and have fun with it,” said SkyCity Casino support services general manager, Callum Mallet.

According to data from the Department of Internal Affairs. slot machine spending in New Zealand showed a 2.3 percent increase in the first quarter of 2018.

Spending totaled NZ$212 million (US$149 million) for the quarter ending 31 March 2018 compared to NZ$207.3 million in the same quarter a year earlier.

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