Gambling Coordination

A new service to provide National Gambling Coordination was established in 2006. This service is jointly delivered by ADANZ and He Oranga Pounamu, a Maori business development organisation.

National Gambling Coordination will consist of:

• Coordination to the Gambling service provider sector
• Developing and maintaining linkages and networks within the problem gambling provider sector 
• Promoting and facilitating collaboration amongst problem gambling service providers
• Information dissemination through newletters and website
• Providing the administration and organisation of a National Problem Gambling hui per year. 

Gambling in New Zealand

• In New Zealand, the last decade has been characterised by growth in gambling opportunities. There has been a rapid growth in electronically delivered forms of gambling, such as the internet and gaming machines. Player expenditure (i.e. net losses) has been increasing rapidly. 
• The last decade has seen growing socio-economic inequalities, which are reflected in worsening health inequalities. Data indicates that while actual household expenditure on gambling increases with household income, low-income groups spend proportionately more of their household incomes on gambling, meaning gambling harm disproportionately affects low-income New Zealanders.
• Mäori are currently over-represented in problem gambling statistics, comprising over 25% of current problem gambling service clients. 
• Pacific peoples are over-represented in accessing problem gambling intervention services.
• Strengthening communities and empowering community action will be key foci in reducing gambling harm.
• Workforce development will be key to reorienting health and disability services and related services to help them address gambling harm.