They give to church but gamble to get by

Some Pacific Islanders turn to gambling in the hope that it will help compensate for the money they give to churches, the Gambling Helpline is hearing.

Krista Ferguson, Gambling Helpline chief executive, said helpline counsellors had been told the pressure of Pacific Islanders' financial commitments to church or extended family had in some cases led to gambling, as they thought it was a way to recoup money for everyday living.

The Pacific Island members of Ms Ferguson's team had reported that increased access to pokie machines had made it easier for people to gamble.

Pacific Island men told counsellors they had taken to gambling at the TAB to combat the isolation felt after arriving here.

But the stigma associated with problem gambling may be stopping Pacific Islanders and Maori from seeking help. They could find it difficult to share their problems which could be seen as bringing shame on a family or community.

The Gambling Helpline last year received over 2800 new contacts from problem gamblers or their family and friends.

Of those, 5 per cent were made by people with a Pacific Island background, while 15 per cent of contacts came from people of Maori descent.

Research had indicated that Maori and Pacific people were disproportionately affected by gambling problems compared to other ethnic groups, but the contacts from these communities did not reflect the large numbers suffering from problem gambling and its affects, said Ms Ferguson.

She said it was important that Pacific Island and Maori people felt comfortable coming forward to seek help, and realise they were not required to identify themselves.

"Our Maori and Pacific helplines provide a free service, and are run by people who understand the unique family and cultural pressures found in these communities.

"Callers don't have to use their names when they access these services, and that first contact can provide some real relief from the pressures resulting from gambling problems."

* For help with gambling call: Pasifika Gambling Helpline 0800 654 657 (Tuesday 6-10pm, Thursday 6-10pm); Maori Gambling Helpline 0800 654 656 (Wednesday 5-9pm, Saturday 8am-noon); Gambling Helpline 0800 654 655 any day of the week.