Gaming machines are an accepted part of life in New Zealand in the 21st century. For thousands of New Zealanders, they provide a harmless and enjoyable form of entertainment and leisure activity. However, research shows that just under 1 percent of the population are problem gamblers.
As a Gaming Trust that operates gaming machines, we have a policy to minimise any harm caused by gambling. As the law requires, our venue managers are trained, where possible to identify problem gamblers, and intervene and offer them appropriate assistance.
A problem gambler is defined as a person “whose gambling causes harm or may cause harm” (Gambling Act 2003). You may or may not be an actual problem gambler, so please do not be offended if venue personnel question you while playing on machines, over any aspect of your gambling behaviour. It will only be because they are acting in accordance with their legal duty. You may be offered information and advice.
Our policy for identifying problem gamblers is to identify who we believe in good faith to be a problem gambler when evidence of harm or potential harm is observed by venue personnel from that person’s gambling behaviour. Our rule is that the perceived harm, “actual or potential”, must relate to the person’s gambling behaviour. When it is reasonably apparent that the person’s gambling behaviour is causing harm or may cause harm, we suspect the person concerned may be a problem gambler. Venue personnel will then take all reasonable steps as required by the Gambling Act 2003 as necessary to offer that person advice and assistance and/or to exclude that person from the gaming area of the venue.
Problem Gambling affects us all. It causes harm. It hurts the gambler and it hurts people close to the gambler. If you have a problem with gambling - if it's affecting your life and the lives of those around you - there is help available.
Phone the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655
For many people, gambling is a pleasant recreational activity that they will indulge in occasionally with little harm or effect. But for some people it becomes more than an occasional past-time. It's something that they will spend a lot of time and money on. This can lead to problem gambling in its most destructive form. It could be considered to be pathological problem gambling which is recognised as a mental health disorder.
There are ways that problem gamblers can be helped. The first step is recognising that there is a problem.
Do you or someone you know:
Gamble more than you/they can really afford?
Keep gambling to try and win back losses?
Get into debt, borrow or steal to keep gambling?
Feel stressed or agitated during or after gambling?
Spend more time than you/they intended gambling?
Gamble while under the influence of alcohol?
Leave children alone while gambling?
Ignore friends and family concerns over your/their gambling?
Get argumentative with others because or your /their gambling?
If you answered yes to any of these, you or someone you know may well have a problem.
Understand the odds.
Poker machines are not designed to help players make money. They are there for entertainment. In New Zealand hotels and clubs, the machines are set to return between 78-92%. You might win occasionally but if you keep playing you will almost certainly lose all the money you put in.
Know where you can get help.
There are many people and organisations that can help you. The first to talk to are the staff at a venue hosting gaming machinces. They can give you information on where to get help if your gambling is becoming a problem. They can also help by excluding you from the venue. As well as talking to Pub Charity staff, another place to get help is the Gambling Helpline.
Phone the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655
It's private, its confidential and it's free. PHONE NOW.
Please feel welcome to get in touch with us if you have any enquires or questions. We value your feedback and look forward to the opportunity to help your organisation.
