Editorial: A dismal failure over gambling

Thousands of dollars have been given in recent years to organisations concerned with "problem gambling" and they turn out to have treated a minuscule number of people. Two conclusions are possible: either the problem has been greatly overestimated or the agencies of the Ministry of Health are failing to ensure the help reaches those who need it. The first is a moot point; the second seems more likely.

During 2005-06, the Hamilton's Pacific Peoples Addiction Service received $143,160 from the ministry to provide counselling for a target of 308 people, only to attract eight users. That is not an isolated case. Many of the 26 problem-gambler help providers that receive ministry funding failed to meet specific targets outlined in their contracts. A review of 12 of them is under way.

It needs to be noted, however, that shortfalls were not universal. The Woodlands Trust in Christchurch, for example, counselled 212 people, ahead of its target of 143. That represented expenditure of $770.53 for each client. It is also relevant that in the same year the Gambling Helpline, which received $1.36 million in funding, fielded 18,372 calls. That equated to an average cost of $73.87 for a call.

Some people are clearly unaware that the extent of their gambling is a problem. Just last week the Dunedin Casino was punished - too lightly some say - for permitting a regular, Christine Keenan, to wager $6.6 million over three years. The casino's licence was suspended for two days.

The statistics for the Woodlands Trust and the Gambling Hotline suggest, however, that many people are aware they are devoting too much time and money to gambling. They may be less aware of the funded counselling services. It is unlikely the Woodlands Trust achieved its client target, unlike some services in Auckland and Hamilton, because problem gambling is more rife in Christchurch. More likely it has been more imaginative, or assertive, in publicising what it offers.

Equally, a sound relationship with pubs and clubs that have gaming machines and casinos may be important. They can, in fact, point clients towards providers of assistance. By regulation, they are required to provide players with information about the potential risks of gambling and how to get help. The Dunedin Casino's failure to follow these host responsibility procedures led to its suspension.

Not all addicts are prepared to concede they have a problem, of course. Christine Keenan was one of those. But family members must be aware of the addiction and the dire consequences. Many, however, may not know of the counselling services. That suggests the need for well-directed advertising capable of drawing the widest possible attention and clearly pointing out a path to counselling. Yet so far there has been precious little sign of a $54 million, three-year programme that was announced last year to raise public awareness of the risks of gambling and inform communities.

The Ministry of Health has had responsibility for funding and co-ordinating problem gambling services only since 2004. To a degree, it may have overestimated the extent of problem gambling. But, whatever the case, its initial approach has clearly yielded what Associate Health Minister Damien O'Connor euphemistically terms "teething troubles". Too many of the help providers have, through their own shortcomings or the absence of effective publicity, failed dismally. Some of the 12 contracts under review will have to be renegotiated.

If families are having finances ravaged by an addict while money is being levied for problem gambling and counselling agencies are twiddling their thumbs, nobody is winning.