`Casino' in name isn't so lucky

9th April 2005

Chris Gardner

A new regulation that prevents bars from having the word "casino" in their names has cost at least one local bar owner about $1000.

What was Youldes Cafe Bar and Casino, in Mahora, Hastings, has been forced to change its name to Youldes Sports Bar after the Department of Internal Affairs warned that it would enforce the Gambling Act from March 19.

Mike Newrick, who runs the bar, said while he had removed the word "casino" from the signs outside his shop, the sun had faded the paint around the letters, leaving an outline of the word in the shop frontage.

Ad Impact, he said, was in the process of replacing the old sign and it would cost about $1000.

Asked what he thought of the legislation, Mr Newrick said: "I will do what I am told to do. We know what the rules are and are happy to abide by them."

Steve Ward, duty manager of what was the Red Casino and Bar in Napier, said his establishment had changed its name to Red Carpet Sports Bar about two years ago, so the legislation didn't really affect him.

He said dropping "casino" from the name had not curbed gambling.

"It's had no effect at all. People are like bloodhounds and will carry on gambling regardless," he said.

Pokie bar owners who fail to remove the word "casino" from their names face a fine of up to $10,000, as well as running the risk of having their gambling licence either suspended or cancelled.