Problem gambling is gambling that causes or may cause harm to an individual, his or her family, or the wider community. Problem gambling is most commonly associated with gaming machines. Approximately two in five regular gamblers on gaming machines experience problems with gambling. Sometimes the harm may result from just one gambling session. From time to time, the prevalence and impacts of problem gambling in New Zealand are the subject of misinformed comment. In the interests of informed discussion, the Department, in consultation with the Ministry of Health, has compiled some key facts based on current research and other data.

In many countries around the world, ethnic background plays a major in determining an individual’s risk of becoming a problem gambler. In New Zealand specifically, individuals of Maori and Pasifika descent are more likely to develop gambling addictions than any other local residents.

According to statistics, Maori individuals are 3.5 times more likely to become problem gamblers than any other ethnic group in New Zealand. However, this is a fairly recent phenomenon; in fact, there is no Maori word for ‘gambling’. It was not until the 1980s that gambling emerged as a popular pastime among the Maori community, but the introduction of the activity had a huge impact. The Ministry of Health estimates that 1 in 16 Maori males and 1 in 24 Maori females are problem gamblers while a third of the population is at risk. sbobet

More than 80% Maori problem gamblers were first introduced to the activity at home at an early age. Card games are quite a popular family pastime but, they can be harmful when money is involved. Studies show that children who are exposed to gambling are more likely to develop unhealthy habits later on in life – and that certainly seems to be the case in the Maori community.

It is also believed that local gambling operators have played a role in the spread of gambling addiction among Maoris. ‘Maraes’ are sacred areas where the Maori culture can be celebrated, and on display in many of these locations are plaques and signs advertising the local lottery commission and other gaming trusts. Casino operators also used their décor to attract Maori individuals, featuring carvings and art specific to the culture.

The Pasifika community (including individuals from Samoa, Tonga, Cook Islands and Fiji) have experienced the same struggle with problem gambling in New Zealand casinos. There are fewer problem gamblers in this community, but they spend significantly more money on the vice. While Maori gamblers spend nearly $2000 on the activity every year, Pasifika players spend $13 000 on gambling annually.

According to studies conducted by New Zealand’s Problem Gambling Foundation, unemployment and low-income levels were to blame for the high problem gambling rates in these communities A survey revealed that Samoans and Tongans gamble to fulfill their households’ financial needs, and that an increase employment opportunities could potentially lower problem gambling rates. Concerns have also been raised that there is a high concentration poker machines in low-income areas, encouraging more Pasifika individuals to gamble. Members of these communities agree that easy access to pokies is likely behind the increase in problem gambling rates.

GA meetings - from the city meetings, through all available suburbs
of bigger cities and many country towns - more here

The Gambling Helpline is the national freephone ongoing motivational
support and referral service for gambling problems - more here

The PGF's mission is to eliminate harm caused by gambling by providing
counselling throughout New Zealand for individuals and families - more here

Community action - youth and drugs, health promoting schools,
problem gambling providers. Providing contracted services - more here

You can contact us at the Youth Gambling Helpline. We can talk things
through and connect you with face to face counselling - more here

Our Oasis Centres provide free consultation and interventions for problem gamblers, partners of gamblers and affected family members - more here

New Zealand Problem Gambling Levy

Gambling treatment service organisations. For a nationwide list of all
treatment organisations throughout New Zealand - more here

The Ministry of Health has developed an integrated problem gambling
strategy that will provide services and support to people - more here

Celebrate Recovery supports people to be freed from their addictions by encouraging fellowship and celebrating God's healing power - more here

LifeLine provides free, professional and confidential telephone counselling
services and professional 'Face to Face' counselling - more here

The Department is able to help operators by providing information about
problem gambling awareness and training for staff - more here

We support families and communities by providing information, and
funding and coordinating social services - more here

ABACUS combines over 65 years of experience in specialist addictions
counselling. In addition the team offers extensive experience - more here

Problem Gambling New Zealand Immigration

An audited charitable organisation primarily assisting individuals in
New Zealand who are suffering from problem gambling - more here

Mental Health Services in New Zealand. Links to over 70 places in
15 different locations available more here

This website contains a regionalised database of all the addiction treatment
and advice services available anywhere in New Zealand more here

Gambling Problem Helpline - +64 0800 654 655
Maori Gambling Helpline - +64 0800 654 656
Gambling Debt Helpline - +64 0800 654 658
Asian Helpline - +64 0800 862 342
Pasifika Helpline +64 0800 654 657
Youth Gambling Helpline - +64 0800 654 659

please let us know if any link doesn't work anymore - e-mail us here

Gambling Helpline service established this discussion forum for people who have experienced gambling related harm. Talk to others in the same situation
more information here

The Health Sponsorship Council (HSC) is a New Zealand government agency that
promotes health and healthy lifestyles. We do this by developing and delivering health promotion and marketing programmes. Encouraging New Zealanders to adopt healthy attitudes and lifestyles.
more information here

Home and Family has been providing counselling care to Aucklanders for 114 years. Counselling enables people to find positive solutions to issues, and resolve and put- to- rest current concerns and past traumas so
they can take better control of their lives. All our counselling is provided by qualified and experienced professionals.
more information here

A study will examine whether geographical access to a range of opportunities for gambling in local neighbourhoods across New Zealand have an effect upon problem gambling more here

Safe Harbor Compulsive Gambling Hub - You are welcome to share your experience here. Talk to others in this situation.
We recognize that there are
many paths to recovery