Casino closure criticized

NEW ZEALAND – As reported by the New Zealand Stuff: "The Gambling Commission's decision to suspend Dunedin Casino's licence for two days for failing to take adequate action over a problem gambler is "a slap with a wet bus ticket", anti-gambling campaigners say.

"In a landmark ruling, the Gambling Commission yesterday said it would suspend the casino's licence after it failed to take adequate action over a woman who allegedly gambled $6.6 million in a three-year period. Christine Keenan lost $554,000 between 2001 and 2004. She was jailed for three years after stealing almost $500,000 from her employer, Dunedin businessman Trevor Scott.

"…GamblingWatch co-ordinator Dave Macpherson accused the commission of 'copping out' by delivering only the two-day penalty.

"'The maximum penalty for breaching the regulations was six months,' he said.

"…Problem Gambling Foundation chief executive John Stansfield said a two-day licence suspension for failing to identify a problem gambler was a grave disappointment…"

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