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FACT SHEET - NOVEMBER 2009

Gambling affects one in eight New Zealanders

Each year $2 billion is lost through gambling by New Zealanders. Around $900 million is lost on poker machines (pokies) outside of casinos each year, and around 40% of this is by people with gambling problems.

The impact of gambling is felt right across New Zealand.

"I curse that win. It was the beginning of the life of a loser. That win led to the loss of my home, my children's inheritance, my quality of life: in fact, it cost me my future for years to come."

Lynette Whale
Author of POKIES: even when I win... My journey through problem gambling

TREATMENT WORKS

Studies show treatment of people with problem gambling can be effective. For treatments to be effective they must:

"When I was at the lowest point in my life, the only friend that I knew at that time helped me to call the Asian Services Hotline at the Problem Gambling Foundation for help. That phone call has changed my life..."

Shuang H

There are significant barriers to treatment which must be overcome. Gambling can be concealed for long periods and issues of shame and stigma prevent people seeking help.

WHAT IS NEEDED

To deal effectively with people who have gambling addictions we must:

Primary care providers are the most likely health practitioners problem gamblers will contact first. As such they play an important role in early identification of and brief interventions with people with gambling problems.

NCAT continues to support people with gambling addictions as a specialist treatment area and recommends increasing the availability of effective local initiatives including those culturally responsive to Maori, Pacifika and Asian needs.

Maintaining the current public health approach of prevention and education about gambling harms and available services is important in overcoming barriers to seeking help and to reducing gambling harm.

People impacted by gambling harm can contact the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 or visit either www.ourproblem.org.nz or www.gamblingproblem.co.nz