The Department of Internal Affairs says it is keeping a close watch on the $1 billion gaming industry to ensure the community is not missing out on its share of gambling money.
Forty-nine trusts operate pokie machines at about 1100 hundred venues throughout New Zealand.
The New Zealand Community Trust has been penalised a day's trading on Monday after failing to provide proper accounts showing what it was paying clubs and pubs to operate its gaming machines.
The department says over-payments by trusts to retain high-performing pokie outlets has long been suspected.
Internal Affairs deputy secretary Keith Manche says trusts are required to keep good records and the action against the New Zealand Community Trust signals a tougher stance by the department.
