DCC argues for consistent approach in casino trusts
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The Dunedin City Council may call for consistency in the way casinos put money into charitable trusts for causes such as reducing harm from problem gambling.
It may also push for the trusts to be entirely separate from casino operators.
Licence conditions relating to charitable trust payments vary from casino to casino and the Gambling Commission is reviewing such conditions.
In a draft submission to the commission, to be discussed by city councillors tomorrow, the council advocates a consistent approach for the levels of community funding provided by casinos, as well as arguing licence holders should not be allowed to exercise control over significant aspects of the trusts.
Dunedin Casino pays at least $52,000 a year to a trust that includes funding treatment of problem gambling, as well as allocating 1% of gaming machine turnover, up to $110,000, for community and sports funding.
SkyCity Queenstown Casino pays at least $100,000 a year to a trust and Queenstown’s Wharf Casino, when it is open, has a formula related to net profit.
Casinos in Auckland, Hamilton and Christchurch pay set minimum amounts to trusts or a percentage of revenue or net profit.
A Dunedin City Council staff report notes charitable trusts that receive casino funding were set up by casino licence holders.
Funding priorities of the trusts also vary.
The Dunedin Casino Charitable Trust has objectives that include relief of poverty and the advancement of education, religion and sports.
SkyCity Queenstown Casino Community Trust funding assists art, culture and entertainment.
"It also supports educational programmes or research for life skills, treatment or counselling, as well as programmes for the financial security of families," the council report says.
