The Thames-Coromandel District Council's Gambling Policy is being reviewed and proposes to allow relocations and mergers of venues which operate gaming machines.

While changes are being proposed the TCDC will maintain its ‘sinking lid' approach to the number of pokies in the district, which should lead to a gradual decrease in machines over time.

The Thames-Coromandel District Council is reviewing its Gambling Policy and is seeking the community's view on proposed changes. Photo: File

The sinking lid approach means if a current licensed premise, like a sports bar, goes out of business or moves to another venue, the licence allowing the gaming machines doesn't move with them.

With the review council is proposing the inclusion of relocations and mergers of class 4 gambling venues, or venues which operate gaming machines.

While the sinking lid policy remains, this proposal allows a business with pokies to relocate in the event of a natural disaster or fire, or keep their current pokies when merging with another business.

Both proposals are subject to conditions and council wants to hear from locals to let them know if they have got this right.

Public consultation is now open now and closes at 4pm on Monday, March 9.

To view the Thames-Coromandel District Council's Gambling Policy click here.