Problem Gambling in New Zealand
What is problem gambling?
Problem gambling is when people, and often their families or communities, experience harm or hardship as a result of gambling. Problem gambling affects our health, our relationships, our finances, our employment, our children, and the community we live in.
What is the cost of problem gambling in NZ?
Measuring the cost of problem gambling in New Zealand is very difficult, particularly given the hidden nature of the problem. However, it is fair to say that the social and economic cost of problem gambling in New Zealand, particularly for individuals, their family, whānau, friends and employers, is considerable.
How many New Zealanders are problem gamblers?
The majority of Kiwis gamble, around 80%. For many of us gambling is an enjoyable activity and do no experience any direct problems. While the actual number of problem gambling is not known, estimations have suggested between 10,000-60,000 New Zealand adults have a gambling problem. It is likely that the actual figures are much higher. In addition to problem gambling, many people are also affected by gambling harm.
What is gambling harm?
While there are a relatively small number of problem gamblers in New Zealand, there is an increasing concern about the wider harms caused by gambling, which impact many of us. Gambling harm can include:
- Relationship breakdown
- Child neglect/poverty
- Business failure
- Debt
- Crime
- Violence
- Job loss
- Poor mental and physical health
- Suicide
- Stress on social services
- Bankruptcy
Who is likely to become a problem gambler?
Problem gamblers come from all walks of life. They gamble for all sorts of reasons. To escape the stress of their jobs, to get a break from the kids or to try to win money. However, some generalisations can be made:
- People living in poorer neighborhoods are at much higher risk of becoming problem gamblers. This is partly due to the higher concentration of gambling venues, such as TABs and Pokies in poorer areas.
- One in five regular pokie machine players are likely to be problem gamblers.
- Maori and Pacific peoples are more likely to be problem gamblers, or to suffer from gambling harm.
- Women are more likely than men to have a gambling problem as a result of playing the pokies.
- People who have experienced a brain or head injury are also more likely to become problem gamblers.
What are the effects of problem gambling for the individual
Problem gamblers suffer from increased rates of debt, bankruptcy, arrest, imprisonment, unemployment, divorce and poor physical and mental health. Evidence also suggests that problem gamblers have high rates of suicide.
Are you concerned about your gambling?
What are the effects of problem gambling for family and friends?
Living alongside a problem gambler can be very stressful. The family and friends of a problem gambler can also experience debt and loss of assets, violence, child neglect, depression, other health problems and relationship breakdown.
It is estimated for every problem gambler, seven other people are effected. A recent study showed that one sixth of New Zealanders reported a bill going unpaid or someone in their family going without something they needed because of gambling. Are you living with a problem gambler? Take our test to find out, it's free and confidential. Find out where to get help for a loved one
What are the effects of gambling for the wider community?
Many families and communities around New Zealand are affected by problem gambling. It can lead to, or is associated with, relationship breakdown, crime, depression, other health problems, neglect of children, debt and loss of assets and violence in the home.
Significant pressure is placed on social services providing healthcare, food parcels and basics. Add some of the service user stats? Find out what you can do
Is it an issue in New Zealand?
Ten signs of problem gambling.
What's being done?
Around New Zealand, Government, health services and community organisations are working to address problem gambling and its impacts. There is the problem gambling social marketing campaign that aims to:
- Raise awareness of risks/issues and actions to prevent gambling harm.
- Promote discussion and debate within communities about gambling and its impacts.
There are free counselling and help options available for both gambler and their families.