“I think pokies are a stain on this community,” Paul said. The proposal proved controversial for several community groups, which rely on gaming revenue for funding via Pub Charity. Bruce Mercer/Stuff Wellington City Council voted to institute a ‘sinking lid’ policy for pokie machines on Thursday. In 2017 and 2018, class 4 gambling – pokie machines in pubs and clubs – provided approximately $61million to sport, health, environmental, education, and arts sectors in the Wellington region. “Wellington's sport and recreation sector relies heavily on that funding to enable sport and active recreation to occur at the community level,” he said. Councillor Nicola Young expressed scepticism about the policy, saying it would be ineffective and would hurt community groups