New Zealand's unique fundraising model
In most countries gambling is for profit. New Zealand’s Class 4 gambling model (pub-based pokies) is a rare example of gambling providing a community return.
NZCT returns 100% of our net profit (and a minimum of 40% of our gross profit) to the community through grants.
Our funds come from hospitality operators up and down the country who run our gaming machines in their hotels, bars and other venues.
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Hospitality and entertainment
Most gaming lounges are provided by local publicans, who offer 'pokies' as part of their venue’s entertainment mix, along with meals, music and other social activities. These businesses contribute to the local economy, employ locals, and provide their community with a vibrant hospitality sector for residents and tourists alike.
‘Pokie-playing’ is a valid, legal and enjoyable source of entertainment as long as the games are played responsibly. Most pokie players play for fun and know when to stop. In research undertaken in 2011, BERL noted that pokie expenditure is directly related to disposable income.
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Community funding
Class 4 gaming funds are a critical source of income for community organisations. In 2024, $345.66m of pokie grants were awarded to 8,888 community organisations across the country (Granted.govt.nz).
In 2012, Auckland Council undertook research (Community Funding: A Focus on Gaming Grants) to find out how important pokie funding was to its community. It found that 55% of the community organisations contacted believed there would be a high to extreme risk to their organisation and their core business if they did not receive this funding. A further 26% said there would be a moderate risk if they did not receive it.
In addition, two-thirds (68%) said they thought they would be unlikely to find another source of funding if gaming funds were not available.
Since 2012, fundraising for community good has only got harder as commercial sponsorship reduces and many restrictive Council Class 4 gaming policies have reduced the availability of much needed Class 4 funding.
Where our funding goes
We’re committed to ensuring money goes back into the communities in which it was raised. Check out where our venues are located