Councils are frustrated they can't get rid of pokie machines, saying current law gives them no power to do what's best for their communities.
Under the Gambling Act, the most local councils can do is impose a sinking lid policy, which means no new machines can come in - and if a venue closes down the machines go with it.
Today, Wellington City councillors will vote to bring in a sinking lid, but researchers say these policies do nothing to reduce harm from gambling and actually make existing venues more profitable.
Emma Hatton reports.
