The New Zealand Gambling Commission has set an important precedent in the advancement of promoting help to problem gamblers. In mid-October they ruled that the Dunedin casino was guilty of not providing enough information on problem gambling to at least one of their visitors who lost more than $6.6 million over a period of three years.
The 2003 Gambling Act has a stipulation in it that says all casinos must do at least the minimum amount in its power to minimize harm caused by gambling.
After weeks of hearings the Gambling Commission found the casino breached that law and it imposed a two-day suspension of services which will finally occur Monday and Tuesday.
"The Department asked for a seven day suspension. (It didn't get it but...) I think what's important in this case is (that a) precedent has been set." said Mike Hill of the Department of Internal Affairs.
Christine Keenan, the lady who lost the millions of dollars, who is now serving time in jail for stealing more than $400,000 from her employer in order to pay for her dangerous gambling habit, and some people think if she had to pay such a severe penalty then the casino that allowed her to play should have received a stronger penalty too.
Internal Affairs said that the suspension, although not as strict as they wanted, sent a strong message to casinos about the importance of host responsibility.
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