December 1, 2006
Gambling Helpline calls for unity to combat problem gambling in New Zealand
New Zealand’s Gambling Helpline is calling for all members of New Zealand’s gambling industry and problem gambling help
services to work together in 2007 to combat New Zealand’s problem gambling issues.
“Problem gambling remains a serious issue for New Zealand, with more than 80 per cent of an estimated 56,000 problem
gamblers not coming forward for help. Even less family members seek support. Combined resources and collaborative
initiatives are a way of working towards resolving the issues and really tackling the problem,” Gambling Helpline chief
executive Krista Ferguson said.
Helplines are often called the first point of contact for gambling issues but there is a real opportunity for the
gambling industry to facilitate those contacts.
“If we have active collaboration by the gambling industry in identifying and intervening with actual or potential
problem gamblers we should see higher presentations to services like ours, not lower presentations.
“It is important to acknowledge that this problem is everyone’s responsibility and it is in everyone’s best interests to
work together,” said Ms Ferguson.
Ms Ferguson believes that central to alleviating the problem is recognising that individual gamblers are not the only
people to suffer but also their family, friends and colleagues.
“Every problem gambler potentially affects up to seven significant others. With a wide cross-section of the help-service
and gambling industries working together, the ability to help all of these affected people will also increase,” she
said.
There was a decline in contacts during 2005 due to smokefree legislation, however figures for the year to date in 2006
show that new client contacts have potentially stabilised with more than 200 new clients per month and approximately 500
additional repeat clients.
“Presentation numbers only tell part of the story. It is important to recognise the harm inflicted by gambling extends
to economic, physical, emotional, psychological and legal strife. Every one of those 700 New Zealanders who present each
month has their own story about how this has impacted on their lives and the lives of those they care about. How do we
measure the loss of a home, the break-up of a relationship, a business going bankrupt or the loss of life? Just one
death because of gambling is one person too many.
“Co-operation amongst the different parts of the gambling sectors will lead to initiatives which alleviate the
ripple-out effect of problem gambling,” Ms Ferguson said.
If you are worried about your gambling or that of some-one close to you call the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 or
visit www.gamblingproblem.co.nz. For international information and helpline services visit
www.gamblingproblemhelplines.com
ENDS