Spending on gaming machines in pubs and clubs is down, latest figures from the Department of Internal Affairs show.
Photo: RNZ
Over the year to June 2013, spending fell 3% from $854 million to $826.3 million. The number of gaming machines, gambling venues and licence holders has also dropped.
A spokesperson for the Problem Gambling Foundation, Andrée Froude, says the decrease shows people are becoming more aware of the dangers and addictiveness of poker machines and the impact they have on communities.
Ms Froude says sinking lid policies introduced by councils have also helped to keep the number of gaming machines down.
