Gambling harm

Gambling harm is a significant health issue in New Zealand which can have negative effects on the wellbeing of individuals, whānau and communities.

Gambling harm is a significant social, economic, and health issue. About one in five people in New Zealand will experience harm in their lifetime due to their own or someone else’s gambling.

Māori, Pacific, Asian, young people, and people on low incomes are disproportionately affected by harmful gambling.

Manatū Hauora, the Ministry of Health, is responsible for developing a problem gambling strategy focused on public health. Under the Gambling Act the strategy must include:

  • measures to promote public health by preventing and minimising the harm from gambling
  • services to treat and assist problem gambling and their families/ whānau
  • independent scientific research associated with gambling
  • evaluation.

The Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm guides the structure, delivery, and direction of services and activities to prevent and minimise gambling harm for a three year period starting 1 July 2022.

Manatū Hauora, Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand and Te Aka Whai Ora – Māori Health Authority all have responsibility for implementing the strategy.

Manatū Hauora is responsible for monitoring progress, as well as delivering some elements within the strategy such as research. Te Whatu Ora and Te Aka Whai Ora are responsible for commissioning problem gambling services.

Read the Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm 2022/23–2024/25

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