Problem Gambling

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27 May: A Focus on Problem Gambling: Results of the 2006/07 New Zealand Health Survey

22 May: Problem Gambling Resource for Local Governments

Problem Gambling Service: Intervention Service Practice Requirements Handbook

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Problem Gambling in New Zealand
The Ministry of Health, as “the Department responsible”, is tasked with the funding and coordination of problem gambling services under the Gambling Act 2003, and assumed responsibility for this role on 1 July 2004.

The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is the primary regulator of the gambling sector. As part of this role, DIA has a key role in addressing problem gambling through the regulation and enforcement of the supply of gambling opportunities and the manner in which they are provided.

The Gambling Act requires the development of an integrated problem gambling strategy focused on public health.

Responsibility for this sits with the National Problem Gambling Team (NPGT), located in the Minimising Harm Group of the Ministry’s Population Health Directorate. The NPGT provides policy analysis, contract management and data and information analysis.

The Ministry is currently working through its Preventing and Minimising Gambling Harm, Three-year Service Plan 2007-2010, but is also looking towards the future as it prepares for the development of new Strategic and Service Plans from 2010.

As set out in Preventing and Minimising Gambling Harm Strategic Plan, 2004-2010, the Ministry has seven key objectives;

Promote Healthy Public policies in relation to gambling harm
Encourage Supportive environments to minimise Gambling harm
Enhance the capacity of communities to define and address gambling harm
Maintain and develop accessible, responsive and effective interventions
Assist the development of people’s life skills and resilience in relation to preventing or minimising gambling harm
Enhance workforce capacity
Develop a programme of research and evaluation

It is the NPGT’s intention to keep this website updated with information relevant to the objectives outlined in the Strategic Plan and the Ministry’s ongoing problem gambling work. Also included will be research reports, consultation documents, manuals and handbooks, presentation data and general service provider updates.

For queries regarding this problem gambling website please contact problemgambling@moh.govt.nz

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Page last updated: 27 May 2009