Roles - Strategic Direction - Problem Gambling

Problem Gambling in New Zealand
Strategic Direction - Roles

How does the Ministry of Health’s role differ from that of the Department of Internal Affairs?

Under the Gambling Act, the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) as primary regulator administers the rules and regulations for gambling. It monitors the gambling industry to ensure that the rules and regulations are followed and that all gambling is in accordance with the Gambling Act. As part of its regulatory role, DIA addresses problem gambling through the regulation and enforcement of the supply of gambling opportunities and the manner in which they are provided.

Find a service near you

The Ministry of Health, through its integrated problem gambling strategy focuses on public health, and on preventing and minimising harm caused by gambling. It is responsible for funding and coordinating national and local problem gambling services; raising public awareness of the risks of problem gambling; and conducting in-depth research about problem gambling in New Zealand so we can learn more about the harm it causes and identify approaches that will work best to address problem gambling.

The Ministry and the Department of Internal Affairs work collaboratively to prevent and minimise the harm from problem gambling.

What is the role of territorial/local authorities?

All territorial/local authorities are required to have policies for gambling venues ('pokie' venues and TABs) in their districts. These policies must be reviewed during every three year period and communities must be involved in the process. New gaming machine and TAB sites need territorial authority approval and all gaming machine sites need territorial authority approval to increase their number of machines.

What is the role of the Gambling Commission?

The Gambling Commission is an independent statutory decision-making body established under the Gambling Act 2003. The Commission hears casino licensing applications, and appeals on licensing and enforcement decisions made by the Secretary of Internal Affairs in relation to gaming machines and other non-casino gambling activities. The Commission also consults with all affected groups on the proposed problem gambling levy rates, and makes recommendations to the Ministers of Internal Affairs and Health on the levy amounts.