Great Pokie Drop Global Record Attempt.

August 10, 2007

Supported by: Waste Management, Heletranz, Mainfreight, SafetyPro, Material Optimisation, Ritchie's Coachlines, Regis Controls, Absolute Catering

Alistair Galpin suceeded in setting a record for dropping pokies from a helicopter today. See footage at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M86Vfr0n9oQ

After a successful test run with one machine, a further four were dropped from a height of 1200 ft. The machines flew apart on impact and tubes inside made a loud bang.

Graham Aetkin, National Operations Manager of the Problem Gambling Foundation says his organisation has had messages of support from overseas. "These machines are causing problems all over the world," he says.

Mr Aetkin says that support for the drop from several businesses showed how deeply pokie related harm is reaching into the community. "One of our sponsors told us two of his employees had recently got into difficulties over pokie debt. This is not a rare occurence."

Another of the sponsors was Australian based Regis Controls which makes pre committ cards that could go a long way towards solving the problem. The cards allow the player to set limits before they start gambling and before the machines have them in their grip.

Mr Aetkin says the gambling industry knows about the cards and other technology that would make pokies safer but refuses to install it.

"Its a bit like a car manufacturer that refuses to fit seat belts," he says. "We need laws that will make them."

Mr Aetkin expects that other organisations that work with problem gambling will soon be attempting to beat the record set today and welcomes all challenges.

For further information including details on accessing the site please contact:

Graham Aitken

Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand

Floor 1, 128 Khyber Pass Road, Grafton.

P.O. Box 8021, Symonds Street,

Auckland

Bill Bradford Communications Officer

email: bill.bradford@pgfnz.org.nz

Phone: 09 368 1520 (w) 027 3462372(m)

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