New Zealand Unveils $81M Plan to Confront Gambling Harm

The New Zealand government has unveiled an ambitious new strategy to reduce gambling harm nationwide and plans to invest more than NZD 81 million ($48.93) in prevention, support services, and workforce development. This new plan, touted as the country’s most targeted and practical effort to combat addiction, aligns with ongoing efforts to overhaul gambling sector regulations.

Extra Manpower Remains Critical for Efficient Assistance

The revamped Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm, announced by Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey, envisions a bold new approach. With a built-in independent review set for 2025/26, the government says it wants tangible results rather than just empty rhetoric. Doocey was adamant that the NZD 81 million would help curb gambling harm at all stages.

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.

Matt Doocey, New Zealand Mental Health Minister

According to official statistics, one New Zealander in five will, at some stage, suffer gambling harm either personally or through a family member. Early intervention, treatment accessibility, and workforce shortages remain significant barriers to providing efficient assistance, motivating many of the newly envisioned measures.

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.

Matt Doocey, New Zealand Mental Health Minister

The government’s new strategy plans the establishment of up to 18 clinical internship positions. These placements will pair interns with experienced supervisors in real-world settings, giving newcomers a pathway to develop specialized competencies in gambling care. Doocey noted that the extra manpower would be crucial in providing individuals, families, and communities with timely and efficient support.

New Zealand Remains Committed to Gambling Reform

Unlike past efforts, the new strategy was created through a two-stage consultation process that directly engaged people with lived experience. Contributions from families, support workers, and individuals struggling with gambling harm firsthand helped inform much of the government’s new strategy. According to Doocey, this approach was essential to keeping the effort grounded in reality.

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.

Matt Doocey, New Zealand Mental Health Minister

Gambling providers will bear the financial brunt of the new initiative via the Problem Gambling Levy Regulations. The government also announced plans for offshore online casino operators to have similar mandatory contributions under New Zealand’s updated regulatory guidelines. This step reflects an urgent need to regulate such companies properly.

Gambling harm prevention marks a key pillar of New Zealand’s evolving vision for a safe and equitable gambling market. The nation’s upcoming online gambling licensing regime will permit up to 15 licensed operators to provide legal online betting in New Zealand for the first time, ending years of unregulated access and consumer exploitation.