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.
The Ministry of Health – Manatū Hauora, 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.
The Ministry and Health New Zealand – Te Whatu Ora have a shared responsibility for implementing the strategy.
The Ministry is responsible for monitoring progress, as well as delivering some elements within the strategy such as research. Health New Zealand is responsible for commissioning problem gambling services.
Read the Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm 2022/23–2024/25