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 Gambling Act requires the development of an integrated problem gambling strategy focused on public health. The Act states that 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.
- Refer to Subpart 4 of the Gambling Act 2003 – NZ Legislation website
Responsibility for this sits with the Addictions team, located in the Mental Health and Addiction group. The team provides policy analysis, contract management and data and information analysis.
The Ministry’s work in this area is guided by its Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm 2022/23–2024/25, which sets out a high-level framework to guide the structure, delivery and direction of Ministry-funded problem gambling services and activities.
- Read a summary and download a copy of the publication Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm 2022/23–2024/25
It also outlines strategic alliances with other key stakeholders and organisations with an interest in preventing and minimising gambling harm. This document also sets out the Ministry’s approach to funding and coordinating problem gambling services. These services comprise primary (public health), secondary and tertiary prevention (intervention) services, research, evaluation and workforce development.
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) is the primary regulator of the gambling sector. DIA therefore 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. It is the Ministry’s intention to keep this website updated with information relevant to the objectives outlined in the Strategic Plan and ongoing work to prevent and minimise gambling harm. Also included will be research reports, consultation documents, manuals and handbooks, presentation data and general service provider updates.
For queries about the problem gambling strategy, email [email protected]
Strategic direction overview
The Ministry of Health 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.
Specifically, the Gambling Act requires the development of an integrated problem gambling strategy focused on public health.
Responsibility for this sits with the Addictions team, located in the Mental Health and Addiction group. The team provides policy analysis, contract management and data and information analysis.