In the last 18 months, New Zealanders spent more than $300 million gambling online – while the whole industry is worth over $2 billion. That’s a lot of money floating around the system. There have been plans in place to open up this side of the economy, but they haven’t gone through parliament yet and right now, New Zealand remains under. New Zealand Lotteries Commission, 0.14%. Mr Hawkins said the Ministry of Health assumed responsibility for funding and coordinating problem gambling services in July and developed an integrated strategy for problem gambling, which includes funding problem gambling services. The cost of delivering the strategy will be reimbursed by the levy. Proposed Problem Gambling Levy (December 2006) Briefings to the Incoming Minister. Problem Gambling Levy 2019-2022 On 13 February 2019, the Commission reported to Ministers on the levy recommended by the Ministry. Link here to a copy of the Commission's report: Main Report: Hon Tracey Martin and Hon Jenny Salesa - 13 February 2019 (PDF, 1.2MB. Freephone - 0800 664 262, Text 5819, Live chat www.pgf.nz, help@pgf.nz.
The government is spending an extra $60 million over the next three years in an effort to tackle problem gambling, particularly among Māori, Pacific and Asian communities.
Associate Minister of Health Jenny Salesa announced this morning the government's latest gambling health strategy, which she says will include funding new pilot services.
She said one in five New Zealanders will be affected by gambling during their lifetime, and while the harm has dropped in the last 25 years, things have plateaued in the last five years.
Mrs Salesa said she was concerned about inequity among vulnerable communities.
'Pilot programmes that are currently underserviced particularly for Māori, Pacific and Asian communities, will be developed and we will use innovative technology to manage and mitigate gambling harm.'
She says the cost of the strategy will be covered by a problem gambling levy paid by gaming machine operators, casinos, the New Zealand Racing Board and the Lotteries Commission.
Copyright © 2019, Radio New Zealand
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