Problem Gambling in New Zealand
Preventing and Minimising Gambling Harm
www.moh.govt.nz/problemgambling

Latest News
21 Jul: Intervention Service Practice Requirements Handbook (version 1.1)
This handbook is a guide to the Ministry of Health’s goals for problem gambling intervention services and typical client pathways and practices.

12 Jul: Problem Gambling Intervention Services in New Zealand: 2006 Service-user statistics
This presents an overview of clients who have sought help via Gambling Helpline Ltd and face-to-face problem gambling services in 2006.

15 Jun: Preventing and Minimising Gambling Harm: Three-year service plan 2007–2010
The three-year service plan 2007–2010 outlines funding primary (public health), secondary and tertiary prevention services and research, to progress the goals in the Strategic Plan for Preventing and Minimising Gambling Harm 2004–2010.

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In recent years, gambling-related harm has emerged worldwide as a significant social and health issue. New Zealand has seen a significant rise in the consumption of gambling products and player losses over the last decade – with a parallel increase in the number of people seeking help for problem gambling.

In September 2003 Parliament passed the Gambling Act, which lists the preventing and minimising of harm caused by gambling, including problem gambling, as one of its purposes.

Cabinet has decided that the Ministry of Health will be the department responsible, under the Act, for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling, including: funding and coordinating national and local problem gambling services; raising awareness of the risks of problem gambling; and conducting in-depth research about problem gambling in New Zealand so that we can learn more about the harm it causes.

On 1 July 2004 the Ministry of Health assumed responsibility, from the Problem Gambling Committee, for funding and coordinating problem gambling services. These services will be funded through a levy on gambling operators.

The Ministry of Health has developed an integrated problem gambling strategy that will provide services and support to people affected by problem gambling as well as promoting wellness and minimising harm through public education, information and policy.

The Strategic Plan for Preventing and Minimising Gambling Harm 2004–2010 outlines the way in which the Ministry of health plans to address the continuum of gambling harm. It includes primary prevention and population approaches, through to more selected intervention services for individuals and their families and significant others.

The three-year service plan 2007–2010 outlines the Ministry of Health’s plan to fund primary (public health), secondary and tertiary prevention services and activities, including research and workforce development, to minimise harm from problem gambling.

The Gambling Act 2003 required the Ministry of Health to consult widely in the course of develop an integrated strategy. The Ministry met this requirement by consulting on the draft document Preventing and Minimising Gambling Harm.

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Page content last updated 15 June 2007