The Growing Crisis of Gambling Harm in Aotearoa: What’s Being Done—and What Needs Change

The gambling industry in Aotearoa has long been a contentious issue, with research showing that problem gambling costs the country around $1.5 billion annually. While the sector employs thousands and contributes significantly to the economy, its impact on individuals and communities is far more damaging. A 2022 report from the Ministry of Health highlighted that one in five Kiwis has gambled in the past year, with Māori and Pacific communities disproportionately affected. The mental health toll is staggering: studies link gambling disorders to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicide, yet access to treatment remains fragmented.

One of the most concerning trends is the rise of online gambling, which has surged since the pandemic. Platforms like here and others have made wagering more accessible, often targeting vulnerable groups with aggressive marketing. The government’s response has been slow, with reforms like the Gambling (Liquor and Gaming) Amendment Bill (2023) intended to tighten restrictions on advertising and underage access. However, critics argue these changes are too little, too late. The gambling industry’s lobbying power has historically delayed meaningful regulation, leaving consumers at risk of exploitation.

The health sector is stepping up with initiatives like the Gambling Treatment Service, which provides free support through helplines and online tools. Yet funding remains inconsistent, and many affected individuals still struggle to access help. A 2023 survey by the Mental Health Foundation found that nearly half of those with gambling-related distress said they’d never received professional support. Meanwhile, the industry’s own self-regulation—such as voluntary age verification—has been widely criticised as insufficient. The gap between harm reduction efforts and industry practices is widening, leaving Aotearoa’s gambling landscape in need of urgent reform.

Key Figures and the Cost of Harm

• Problem gambling costs Aotearoa $1.5 billion annually, according to the Ministry of Health.
• One in five Kiwis gambled in the past year, with Māori and Pacific communities overrepresented.
• Online gambling increased by 30% between 2019 and 2022, driven by platforms like here.
• The Gambling Treatment Service has 2,000 calls per month, but waitlists for support exceed 12 weeks.
• Research links gambling disorders to a 30% higher suicide risk among affected individuals.

The government’s recent push for stricter advertising rules is a step forward, but critics warn it doesn’t address systemic issues like underage access or the mental health burden. The industry’s reliance on self-regulation, rather than government oversight, has historically allowed harm to persist. Aotearoa’s approach to gambling harm is unique in its reliance on voluntary measures, yet the data shows this model is failing. Without stronger enforcement and equitable funding for support services, the cycle of addiction and financial ruin will continue to take a toll on communities.

The Way Forward: What Needs to Change

For the first time, the government has proposed a ban on gambling ads during children’s sports events, a move that could help protect younger audiences. Yet broader reforms—such as mandatory age verification for all online platforms, clearer advertising restrictions, and expanded mental health support—are essential. The gambling industry’s profit-driven model must be balanced with public health priorities. As the sector expands, so too must safeguards, ensuring that Aotearoa’s communities aren’t left behind in the digital age.

The conversation around gambling harm in Aotearoa is evolving, but progress has been slow. While initiatives like the Gambling Treatment Service offer hope, systemic change requires political will and industry accountability. The time to act is now, before the damage becomes irreversible. The question isn’t just about regulating gambling—it’s about preventing the next generation from falling into its traps.