Taupō District Council Rejects Pokie Expansions

Recently updated on April 2nd, 2026

Tokaanu-Tūrangi RSA submitted applications for five more pokie machines to be added in the Taupō and Tūrangi districts, which were all rejected. Tokaanu-Tūrangi RSA hopes to add the extra poker machines to two venues, the 11 and Grandeur Thermal Spa Resort. They hoped to offer a grand gaming venue with at least 9 pokie machines available to its visitors. There is a policy in the Taupō district limiting the number of pokies to 191. There is also an additional rule stipulating that gambling can only be done in specific towns – Taupō, Mangakino, and Tūrangi.

Let’s find out why the Taupō District Council rejected the applications and what the future holds for gambling in the Taupō and Tūrangi districts.

Taupō District Councillors’ Reasons for Rejecting Pokie Machines Applications

Sadly, neither application completely met the Class 4 Betting and TAB Setting strategy, so the choice of whether to favour it or not was conveyed to the nearby Chamber. In the end, the Board chose to dismiss the two applications. In actuality, two or three years prior, in 2017, the Taupō Area Chamber wanted to decrease the number of poker machines allowed in the region. The Committee needed to cut the number of pokies from 225 to 192 to limit the locals’ access and spending on such gambling venues. Gamblers in the Taupō district were spending an estimated NZ$8 million yearly, and yet there were no returns or benefits ploughed back to the community.

Scott Devonport, Taupō District Council consents and regulatory manager, clarified that under the Approach, there is a greatest farthest point for nine machines, except if they converge with another club that additionally offers such betting terminals. The proposition, be that as it may, does exclude a convergence between clubs.

Overview

There were split views on the matter, with some councillors from the Tūrangi/Tongariro ward both in support and against the application. As indicated by the advocates of the application, the RSAs are declining broadly, and the expansion of pokies could enable the Taupō district to continue them for somewhat longer. Then again, those against the application felt there was no reason to add more pokies. They believe doing so encourages more problem gambling, which would negatively affect their lives and the community.

Always remember to gamble responsibly. If you need help with problem gambling, visit our problem gambling help section.