The government of New Zealand has introduced a revised national strategy to lessen the harm caused by gambling, supported by more than $81 million in targeted funding. With a formal review scheduled for 2025–2026, the plan introduces new measures for treatment, early intervention, and workforce expansion.
The government increases assistance to combat gambling harm
In order to improve the nation’s response to gambling-related issues, Minister of Mental Health Matt Doocey has unveiled a revised Strategy to Prevent and Minimize Gambling Harm that includes a large increase in funding as well as a number of new initiatives.
“The updated strategy includes a targeted investment of over $81 million to improve access to support, strengthen prevention and early intervention and reduce the impact of gambling-related harm across New Zealand.”
Review Mechanism to Ensure Accountability
The strategy calls for a formal independent review in the 2025–2026 fiscal year to gauge its efficacy. This will determine which actions are working and where they need to be improved.
“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.”
Prioritize early intervention, prevention, and treatment
The plan places a high priority on providing prompt and efficient assistance to people, families, and communities. Improved prevention campaigns, enhanced early intervention programs, and expanded access to treatment services are among the investment areas.
The government intends to add up to 18 new clinical internship placements, acknowledging that a major obstacle is a lack of workers. For those pursuing careers in gambling harm support, these positions will offer hands-on, supervised experience.
Mr. Doocey said, “It is expected these interns will be supported to develop gambling harm expertise by working closely with a supervisor in a clinical setting. 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.”
financed by contributions from the industry
The new Problem Gambling Levy Regulations will be used to fund the initiative. These apply to casinos, TAB NZ, Lotto NZ, and operators of gaming machines that are not casinos. The contribution of online casino operators to future regulation is still being worked out. After a two-phase public consultation, the strategy was created with significant input from people who had lived the experience.
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