Ōtorohanga's bid to change its gambling policy is being opposed by the Problem Gambling Foundation and Waikato District Health Board.
Photo: RNZ
Ōtorohanga District Council voted to change from the former 'sinking lid' policy in October 2020 during the required three-yearly review of the gambling policy.
Councillors decided to change to a 'controlled increase in venues' policy which gives the council the ability to look at any new proposals for venues on a case-by-case basis.
"It's one of the worst policy proposals we have heard of," Problem Gambling Foundation Group marketing and communications director Andree Froude said.
"For a start, it completely contravenes the Gambling Act because what they [the council] are wanting to do is increase the growth of gambling, which completely goes against the spirit of the Act."