New Zealand announces revised gambling harm prevention strategy
Changes to the nation’s approach have been announced by Minister for Mental Health, Matt Doocey.
Key points:
– New Zealand’s Minister for Mental Health has announced a new gambling harm prevention initiative
– The new strategy contains a clinician internship programme and a will see a 2025/26 independent review also take place
New Zealand’s Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey has announced a newly revised strategy toward the prevention of gambling harm in the nation.
As specified in Doocey’s address, the new initiative is the product of a targeted NZ$81m (US$49.1m) investment, which has sought to enhance prevention measures and access to support for players experiencing gambling harms.
The updated strategy seeks to improve the long-term impact of problem gambling-related issues in New Zealand, with the inclusion of an independent 2025/26 review set to take place in order to fine tune the initiative.
More specifically, the strategy’s core areas of investment are centered around prevention initiatives, alongside support and treatment access – and will see plans for 18 clinical internship placements implemented as part of an attempt to expand the gambling harm labour force in New Zealand.
Speaking on the development, Doocey stated: “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.
“I want to thank those who shared their experiences with us. You’ve helped ensure this strategy is reflective of real-life experiences and have helped to ground the strategy with a strong understanding of what support works best for you and our communities.”
Good to know: This initiative was developed through a two-part consultation procedure that took accounts from players with first-hand experience of gambling harm
The new strategy also allows recovering problem gamblers the chance – via the internship scheme – to become registered clinicians.
Indeed, this latest update falls in the wake of a recent announcement that New Zealand district Rangitīkei District Council had initiated a review of its gambling policies in January.
More recently, the nation’s Government rejected a NZ$150m bid for an online casino licence from The Tab.
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