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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 Mental Health, Alcohol and Drug Policy Group of the Ministry’s Population Health Directorate. The NPGT provides policy analysis, contract management and data and information analysis.

As of 1 July 2010, the Ministry’s problem gambling programme is guided by its Preventing and Minimising Gambling Harm six-year strategic plan 2010/11 – 2015/16, which sets out a high-level framework to guide the structure, delivery and direction of Ministry-funded problem gambling services and activities. It also outlines strategic alliances with other key stakeholders and organisations with an interest in preventing and minimising gambling harm.

The Ministry’s approach to funding and coordinating problem gambling services is set out in its Preventing and Minimising Gambling Harm three-year service plan 2010/11–2012/13, which sets out the funding for problem gambling services during this period. These services comprise primary (public health), secondary and tertiary prevention (intervention) services, research, evaluation and workforce development.

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 July 2010

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