Current research projects

Pacific Islands Families Study (PIF 2022): Young Adult Gambling Behaviours and Associated Risk Factors

To include a gambling component to the Pacific Islands Families longitudinal study to gather information about gambling behaviour and harm and co-existing health problems among Pacific youth (the cohort will be 22 years old now), and possible predictive and protective factors to gambling harm.

New Zealand Gambling Survey

This population level prevalence survey collects data on gaming and gambling activities (land-based and online), risks and impact of gambling harm, and help seeking in the New Zealand adult population (age 15+).

Kids Online – Gambling Analysis

This research employs visual technology to explore the nature and extent of children’s exposure to and engagement with online contents relating to gambling.

The lived experience of Asian people’s journeys to problematic gambling and recovery

This qualitative phenomenological research explores Asian people’s lived experience of problematic gambling and recovery, and implications for culturally responsive interventions to reduce or minimise gambling harm.  

Exploring gambling amongst older New Zealanders

This mixed-methods study aims to explore the gambling behaviour and experience of gambling amongst older New Zealanders to provide a holistic perspective on behaviour, family, social, and cultural risk and protective factors, harms and benefits, and support seeking among this population.

Understanding gambling relapse and associated factors: A longitudinal approach

This study aims to explore prevalance of relapse into harmful gambling and associated predictors and moderators by conducting a secondary analysis of the NZ National Gambling Study data.  

Preliminary investigation of patterns of online gambling and gaming engagement and harm in New Zealand: Empirical survey

This empirical study uses online survey to explore behavioural and sociodemographic patterns of monetary engagement in online gaming and online gambling, such as Free-to-Play, and associated harm.

Development and validation of the Gambling Help Seeking Assessment Tool

This project aims to develop and validate the first New Zealand help-seeking measure for gambling harm that reflects the full spectrum of services and supports. This tool will be web-based and accessible online.

Economic and Social Costing of Gambling in Aotearoa New Zealand

The goal of this research is to estimate the current social cost of gambling in Aotearoa using multi-source data and available information, including recent findings on gambling harms, and differential impacts on Māori, Pacific, and disabled populations. The study will set out a costing framework that incorporates impacts to health-related quality of life, excessive spend by at-risk gamblers, and costs to government and communities. In doing so, it aims to provide a firm foundation for evidence-based gambling policy in Aotearoa.

The convergence of simulated gambling, monetary gambling, and gambling harm: A integrative literature review of stimulus and suppression pathways

This project will conduct an integrative literature review of international research evidence on the migration and concurrence between simulated gambling in video games, monetary gambling, and gambling harm.

Understanding dropout and adherence from gambling and other addiction treatment

The research aims to increase understanding of treatment dropout in clients/tāngata whaiora attending gambling harm services and optimal support needs. Research methods include a scoping literature review, jurisdictional scan of policies and regulations, and survey and interviews.

Measuring the Gambling-Related Financial Harms Experienced by Whānau and Affected Others and Identifying Mitigating Practices

The project aims to increase understanding of the financial harms experienced by whānau and affected others in New Zealand, how financial products and related policies may exacerbate or attenuate these harms and mitigating practices. Research methods include a literature review, secondary data analysis, and survey and interviews.

Understanding the reasons, impact, and support needs of older people experiencing gambling harm

The research aims to better understand the experiences of older people experiencing gambling harm. It explores the cultural context in which gambling harm is situated and the wider-ranging impacts gambling harm can have, the enablers and barriers to addressing gambling harm among older people, and the solutions that are possible to support this group. This research takes the He Whiria Awa (braided rivers) approach to intertwine mātauranga Māori and western science.

Gambling our way to the next generation of people with gaming addiction

This research examines the relationship between in-app purchases for commonly played non-casino games and harmful behaviours (using an adapted PGSI) among people aged 12–24 and the harm that develops directly or by inducing a pathway to later stage gambling and consequent gambling harm.

Which complementary therapies and interventions could be offered to clients in treatment for gambling harm to improve health and wellbeing?

This study explores evidence-based complementary therapies and interventions used by and could be offered to people in treatment for gambling harm to support recovery and to improve health and well-being. Research methods include a sector consultation, literature review, and online survey.

“Should I stay or should I go now": Systemic mapping of barriers to generate solutions for equitable access to problem gambling services

The research aims to enhance tangata whaiora engagement and equitable access and outcomes by better understanding barriers to accessing services. The research adopts the candidacy framework and draws on Q methodology and community system dynamics to co-design solutions with service providers.

High Stakes? Children’s and stakeholders’ views on gambling, its impact on children’s health and wellbeing, and public health measures to protect children from harm

This research will examine children’s and key stakeholders’ views on children’s exposure to gambling and its marketing, and measures to protect children from gambling harm. Research methods include focus groups, data analysis, literature review and comparative policy analysis of interventions.

Enhance understanding of the multifaceted stressors experienced by Asian migrants impacted by gambling harm and mental health issues

The study aims to enhance understanding of the multifaceted stressors experienced by Asian migrants impacted by gambling harm and mental health issues. Its objective is to establish and validate a culturally responsive service and support model (The Asian Integrated Tree Model) tailored to their unique needs, with the goal of improving the quality of care and achieving better outcomes. Research methods include literature review, qualitative interviews, and online survey.