According to the latest press release by the official website of the New Zealand Government, the consultation period on the gambling harm minimisation strategy is now open. Matt Doocey, the Minister for Mental Health, has embraced the start of Gambling Harm Awareness Week, which takes place in September annually.
New Zealanders are welcome to share their opinion and feedback on the three-year strategy by 6 October 2024. The Minister for Mental Health explained that although many consumers enjoy gambling as a recreational activity without any issues, the statistics signal that harm from gambling can have a substantial impact. Hence, he underlined the significance of initiatives and strategies that aim to hinder and reduce gambling harm.
Mr Doocey encouraged New Zealand’s population to share their views and beliefs regarding the suggested strategy “to help inform its development.” He shared that in his practice as a mental health professional, he has had conversations about mental health and addiction, the solutions for which were “already in the community.”
The Mental Health Minister particularly focused on individuals who have firsthand knowledge of gambling harm, as their experience will provide a comprehensive overview of both efficient and inefficient strategies at the community level.
The Government Has Set Clear Priorities in the Draft Strategy
Among the priorities set by the government in its gambling harm minimisation strategy is enhancing public access to gambling harm support professionals. Consequently, the gambling harm workforce must be increased to meet the community’s needs, the Minister explained. Last but not least, special focus is placed on prevention, detection, and early intervention to enhance the efficiency of gambling harm support.
The gambling harm minimisation strategy also includes the launch of services catering to individuals who are more vulnerable to gambling harm, academic research dealing with the ever-evolving gambling scene, as well as regulatory work concerning remote casinos.
The online casino licensing regime is expected to be launched in New Zealand by 2026. The Minister of Internal Affairs, Brooke van Velden commented on the new regime: “This is not intended to increase the amount of gambling New Zealanders do, but to ensure operators meet requirements for consumer protection and harm minimisation, as well as paying tax.”
Meanwhile, one of Auckland’s land-based casinos, SkyCity Auckland, announced it would be temporarily out of operation for five days, from 9 September to 13 September 2024. According to a press release by the operator, the New Zealand gambling regulator has imposed the casino closure following failure to meet its “host responsibility obligations in respect of the detection of incidents of continuous play by a former customer.” The closure is in force for all gaming areas, plus food and beverage outlets within these areas.
SkyCity Auckland has taken full responsibility for the incident and apologized for it. The operator further explained that only the casino would be closing, with the other amenities outside of the casino’s gaming area, including accommodation, food, and beverage outlets remaining open during the period.
- Author
Daniel Williams
