New Zealand combats gambling addiction struggle.
The government in New Zealand has come up with a novel plan to address gambling addiction. Much like Australia, the island nation is grappling with an issue of poker machines.
Data revealed by the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) in February provides a clear picture - gamblers in the "green island" spent over NZD 125 million (about €80 million) more in the 2016-2017 financial year than the previous year, which amounts to a 5.7% increase. In total, NZD 2.3 billion (approximately €1.3 billion) was spent during this period, yet the population there is only 4.7 million.
Consequently, the New Zealand Ministry of Health (MOH) unveiled a new strategy plan. This plan involves creating measures to control, minimize, and, ideally, prevent gambling damage through a public online consultation, more specifically, a citizen survey. New Zealand's Minister of Health, David Scott Clark (from the Labour Party), initiated the survey process at the start of August, as reported.
Clark stated that the MOH questionnaire would adopt a three-tier approach. The first defines the priorities of the New Zealand government, the second details the potential funding levels from a budgetary viewpoint, and the final part solicits New Zealanders' suggestions on the overall strategic direction. Their responses will then be weighted. The official assessment of the results is set to begin on September 21st. Clark, aged 45, from Auckland, emphasized:
“Our strategy draft for the prevention and reduction of gambling damage encompasses a broad array of factors. Some relate to the rapidly evolving online gambling sphere, others to the increasing integration of gambling and conventional games. Given that changes in the gambling arena can develop very quickly, this approach allows us to respond proactively.”
In an ideal scenario, these proposals could be the source of New Zealand's regulatory agenda for 2019-2022. Though the island nation belongs to the British Commonwealth, its parliamentary monarchy is independent - the department in charge of gambling legislation is the DIA. Broadly, the Gambling Act 2003 establishes a regular, three-yearly review and amendment of laws.
New Zealand's gambling laws seem sensible and modern initially. Yet, given the alarming developments in recent years, there are significant loopholes - uncontrolled areas like the boundary between gambling and gaming and the online sector. A MOH spokesperson admitted the deficiencies in a recent press interview, saying:
“The main issues involve online gambling and the merger of gambling and gaming, which are currently unregulated. The Ministry is trying to devise means of regulation, for instance, self-exclusion systems are being considered to aid those who are adversely affected by gambling.”
New Zealand's gambling industry comprises four types: sports betting, lottery games, classic casino games, and online slot machines. According to Health Minister Clark, the primary area of damage resides in non-casino gambling machines (pokies), which are widely found in clubs and pubs. In Australian jargon, pokies refer to virtual poker machines, which have spiraled into a dire problem gambling epidemic in Australia. Now, they seem to be spreading throughout the 4,150-kilometer-distant New Zealand. Fifty-three percent of problem gamblers account for about 38% of overall gambling expenditure on these widespread devices.
Hardest hit are the poorly off, prompting New Zealand experts to advocate for a nationwide ban on pokies. They assert that 50% of all pokies in New Zealand should be situated in regions with the worst socio-economic disadvantage. It remains undisclosed whether the MOH survey questionnaire acknowledges this - though the need for regulation clearly exists.
Thus, even though New Zealand's decision to engage its citizens in future regulatory measures might seem bold and modern, a Down Under gambling addict who loses his monthly wages at a pokie in a mall or park won't be assisted much by an online self-exclusion system. The future developments shall be watched keenly.
Read also:
- The CDU is pushing for additional medical study positions in Homburg.
- US director Baker wins Palme d'Or at Cannes, while Iranian filmmaker Rasoulof receives Jury Prize.
- German enthusiast creates gigantic Harry Potter figure
- Lautern coach Alonso alters his lineup five times, with Ache left out.
Source: www.onlinecasinosdeutschland.com
