The Government of New Zealand has outlined its new strategy to prevent and minimise gambling harm, which will involve investing more than NZ$81m in various components of the services available to those affected in the country.
Matt Doocey, Minister for Mental Health, has said in a statement that the investment will help to improve support access, strengthen prevention and early intervention and reduce the impact of gambling-related harm.
To make sure the strategy is having the desired effect, an independent review in 2025/26 will also take place so that the Government can analyse what is working and what needs to be changed.
Doocey said: “The strategy focuses on delivering timely, effective support for individuals, families and communities affected by gambling harm. Key areas of investment include increasing access to treatment and support, improving prevention and early intervention initiatives, and improving the effectiveness of support for those experiencing gambling harm.
As part of the strategy, 18 additional clinical internship places will be created to become part of the gambling harm workforce, working closely with supervisors in clinical settings to develop gambling harm expertise.
“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,” noted Doocey.
“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.
“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.”
The Government developed its strategy to tackle gambling harm through a two-stage consultation process which included the opinions of people with lived experience.
Doocey concluded: “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.”
Online casino contributions
New Zealand’s gambling harm support services will be funded through the new Problem Gambling Levy Regulations and paid by non-casino gaming machine operators, casinos, TAB NZ and Lotto NZ.
Doocey also detailed that work is taking place to determine how online casino operators will contribute under upcoming regulations, which are expected to be in place by early 2026.
Online casinos are being regulated in New Zealand as part of the Government’s plans to minimise harm, support tax collection and provide consumer protections to New Zealanders.
As part of the country’s online casino framework, up to 15 three-year licences are expected to be available for operators via an auction. The online gambling bill is forecasted to progress through Parliament this year, with the Department of Internal Affairs being the regulator of the online casino market.
Reece Calderbank, Global Sales Director at Delasport, recently assessed the potential of New Zealand’s incoming iGaming regulatory framework for iGaming Expert, describing the sector as standing “at the threshold of a pivotal transformation”.
