NZ Asks Citizens to Weigh in on Gambling Harm Prevention Strategy

Matt Doocey, New Zealand’s Minister for Mental Health, has urged New Zealanders to share their thoughts on the government’s gambling harm prevention strategy. Doocey’s encouragement comes just in time for Gambling Harm Awareness Week, an annual initiative that seeks to promote safer gambling and raise awareness of the dangers posed by irresponsible play.

New Zealand Wants to Curb Its Problem Gambling Rates

Doocey’s address comes from New Zealand’s consideration of a three-year plan to prevent and minimize gambling-related harm. While he acknowledged that many players do play safely, he highlighted the disastrous consequences gambling harm could have on people and their families.

As a result, the minister reiterated the government’s intention to continue running initiatives that mitigate the negative impact of problem gambling.  Doocey, therefore, encouraged people to weigh in on the consultation document. He noted that recent discussions he has had with other people have convinced him that the government should consider more ideas.

In talking to people about mental health and addiction, I’ve become firmly of the view that the ideas we need to solve the issues we face are already in the community, so please make your voice heard.

Matt Doocey

He added that the opinions of people who have lived experience of gambling harm would be particularly important to these consultations. Doocey explained that these people’s perspectives would give a “strong understanding” of what works and what doesn’t at the community level.

Citizens Should Submit Their Recommendations by October 6

New Zealanders have until October 6 to check the government’s plan to crack down on harm and share their thoughts on it. The current proposals focus on making sure that people with lived experience are involved in the harm minimization efforts.

Doocey further explained that the draft strategy reflects the government’s priorities clearly. He added that these priorities include:

• Increased access to gambling harm support
• Expansion of the gambling harm workforce
• Strengthening of the focus on prevention and early intervention
• Improvement of the effectiveness of gambling harm support

Doocey concluded that there is a wide program of work underway across government departments and the broader gambling harm sector to prevent and minimize gambling-related harm. He elaborated:

This includes the roll-out of services to support those at risk of gambling harm, research to understand the changing gambling landscape, and work to regulate online casinos.

Matt Doocey

Speaking of New Zealand, a month ago, an illegal poker host was ordered to surrender NZD 620,000.