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The Problem Gambling Foundation says it's time to swap pokie machines for more sustainable methods of community funding.
The new CommUnity initiative, founded by former NZ cricketer John Parker, will allow local businesses to donate a portion of profits back into their community.
Spokesperson Andree Froude says in 2019 almost $1 billion was spent on pokie machines in Aotearoa and only $241 million paid out in grants to community and sports groups.
"People with gambling problems are contributing between 30 to 60 percent of the amount that is paid out in grants and that's where the system, it's unethical, it's inequitable, and we don't believe it is sustainable," she says.
Andree Froude says the pokie industry targets the poorest parts of society.
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