Research: gambling money going where it's needed

Research shows gambling money going where it's needed

Grant money from gaming machines is providing disproportionately greater benefits to children from medium to low decile schools and from lower income families, the Chairman of the Charity Gaming Association the Rt Hon Paul East announced today.

The CGA commissioned Colmar Brunton Research to undertake an on-line survey of people who had applied for grants from charitable gaming trusts in 2007.

"The results of the survey confirm what we have believed for a long time. Charitable Trusts which operate gaming machines are seeking to support people in the community to help children to participate in activities which their parents may not be able to afford.

"The survey sought to find out more about who in the community benefits from applications for grant money from gambling.

"The data shows a definite skew towards benefiting school age children from low to medium decile schools and from low income families.

"The findings strongly contradict the assertions made by anti-gambling activists.

"During 2007 the significant majority of applications were for grants designed to benefit groups of 50 or more people. National organisations typically sought grants which would benefit 1000 or more people.

"Survey respondents strongly approved of the current grant distribution model and supported continuation of grant making from gambling proceeds by charitable gaming trusts. They strongly noted that the availability of charity gaming grants saves volunteers from the time and effort of fund raising.

"Nine out of ten respondents agreed with the strict rules and criteria around the access to gambling proceeds.

"The survey is an important stake in the ground for the sector and will form the basis for further reflection on ways in which we can best meet the needs of the public we serve," concluded Mr East.

The report is available from the CGA's website http://www.cga.org.nz

ENDS

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