The New Zealand government has announced it will implement a new strategy to help combat gambling related harm in the country.
Introduced by New Zealand’s Minister for Mental Health, Matt Doocey, the Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm includes an investment of more than NZ$81m (£36m).
The strategy was developed via a two-stage consultation process the government says, “strongly reflects the voices of people with lived experience”.
Doocey said the capital will be used to “improve access to support, strengthen prevention and early intervention and reduce the impact of gambling-related harm across New Zealand”.
Treatment services will be funded through the country’s new Problem Gambling Levy Regulations, which will be paid for by monopoly sports betting operator TAB New Zealand, Lotto NZ, land-based casinos and other non-casino gaming machine operators.
The government is also formulating plans for how online casino operators will contribute under upcoming regulations.
Part of the strategy will target the expansion of the gambling harm workforce in New Zealand, with the creation of up to 18 additional clinical internship places.
Interns on these placements will work closely with a supervisor in a clinical setting to develop greater expertise into gambling-related harm.
Doocey said: “This approach is necessary to bridge the gap between education and work and will give interns the practical experience needed to help people affected by gambling harm.
“Not only will this ensure more people can access help, but this will also support people who could otherwise struggle to meet the requirements to become registered clinicians.”
The strategy will also undergo a review before the end of 2026 to assess its initial effectiveness.
Doocey added: “The strategy focuses on delivering timely, effective support for individuals, families and communities affected by gambling harm.
“We know that simply announcing strategies isn’t enough to make a material difference. We want New Zealanders to see real change and make progress – that is why as part of this strategy we’ve built in an independent review in 2025/26 to track what’s working, and what’s not.
The Minister for Mental Health said one in five New Zealanders will be affected by gambling harm in their lifetime, either directly or through someone they know. “This can have devastating effects not only on individuals, but also on their families and wider communities,” he added.
Last November, the New Zealand government unveiled plans to award 15 online casino licences as part of a regulated framework for commercial operators.
The post New Zealand announces NZ$81m investment to tackle gambling harm first appeared on EGR Intel.
The refreshed Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm will see the industry fund treatment services by contributing to Problem Gambling Levy Regulations
The post New Zealand announces NZ$81m investment to tackle gambling harm first appeared on EGR Intel.