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Counselling services will still be available for problem gamblers, despite the Gambling Helpline's contract coming to an end, the Ministry of Health says.
Gambling Helpline announced yesterday that its four-year partnership with the ministry would cease at the end of October after unsuccessful contract negotiations between the two.
Gambling Helpline chief executive Krista Ferguson said the contract offered by the ministry was too "onerous".
"We've considered all available alternatives, including pursuing other funding avenues, but services such as ours all around the world are reliant on public funding," she said.
Deputy director-general, Population Health Directorate Janice Wilson said the ministry was disappointed the service had declined to accept its contract offer. But it was believed there would be no disruption to services as a result of the decision.
Tenders would go out to similar organisations to take over the role of the helpline.
"The ministry wishes to thank the Gambling Helpline for their services to New Zealanders experiencing harm from gambling," Ms Wilson said.
She said there should be no discernible difference seen by the providers or public in the new process, and the ministry was continuing to manage and provide national helpline services.
The Problem Gambling Foundation said gamblers needed a telephone referral service to make sure they got the help they needed when they needed it.
Chief executive John Stansfield said his organisation would do everything it could to see a phone service continued.
"Problem gamblers and their families live risky and stressful lives," he said.
"Gambling problems can be successfully treated and we urge anybody with a gambling problem, or with a family member or friend, with a problem to seek help."
- NZPA
