Strategy to cut gambling hailed as a world first

The Government is claiming a world first with its new $54 million strategy to reduce problem gambling.

Associate Health Minister Damien O'Connor said yesterday that the three-year programme would raise public awareness of the risks, boost treatment services and inform communities.

New Zealand was the first country to develop a comprehensive approach to gambling-related health issues, he said.

The climate had changed dramatically in the past decade with the emergence of problem gambling and its associated social and economic costs, including crime.

Mr O'Connor said statistics showed that:

* Estimated player losses or profits on non-casino gaming machines rose from $597 million in 2000-2001 to $1 billion in 2003-2004.

* During 2003-2004, New Zealanders lost more than $2 billion on all gambling activity.

* The number seeking help with gambling problems increased 28 per cent in 2003-2004 compared with the previous year.

* More than 78 per cent of people who first received counselling in 2003-2004 sought help as a consequence of gambling on machines in pubs and clubs.

* The number of female gamblers accessing help services has increased 309 per cent since 1997, and by 2003-2004 females accounted for 47.4 per cent of new clients.

The new strategy is called Strategic Plan for Preventing and Minimising Gambling Harm.

- NZPA