Politicians in Auckland have recently decided to allow Sky City to build a new convention centre in the city in return for relaxing the country’s online gambling laws. While the deal was decided behind closed doors, former Gambling Commissioner Peter Chin believes that the public needs to weigh in.
As the deal was being decided, the public was left out of the process. Sky City and Prime Minister and John Key negotiated in private, and New Zealanders were unaware of the details of the deal until they were finalized.
Now, former Peter Chin, the former Gambling Commissioner, has stated that this should not have been the case. As gambling laws are being changed, the public and other politicians should have been able to weigh in on the issue.
During a recent television broadcast, Chin stated that before any gambling laws are changed, public opinion would be required. A consultation will have to take place, so that the changes to the gambling laws are well-advised.
“They have to facilitate community involvement in decisions about the provision of gambling,” says Chin.
