NZ Govt Green Lights Pokie Deal

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Up to 500 new pokies could be installed at Sky City Casino

While the pokie debate rumbles on in Australia, New Zealand look set to expand its poker machine numbers thanks to a new deal.

Prime minister John Key looks set to give the green light to Sky City Casino to install up to 500 new machines.

It comes after Mr Key claimed that the extra machines will not increase gambling addiction in the country.

The pokie permission is said to be in return for the casino building a $350 million international convention centre, something which the prime minister believes will provide the tourism sector with a much-needed boost.

In an interview with TV3's Firstline programme, Mr Key commented: "Those visitors tend to spend about twice as much as a normal holiday-maker.

"They come off-season so help smooth out the seasonal troughs and peaks."

Meanwhile, Clubs Australia has downed tools in its pokie campaign after the Australian government agreed to defer any action over pokie reform until next year.