The Ministry of Health has released proposals to refresh the integrated “Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm 2019/20 to 2021/22”, and review the problem gambling levy. A consultation document is available online for anyone who would like to make a submission.
The Gambling Act (2003) specifies the strategy must include measures to:
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Promote public health services
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Treat and assist problem gamblers, and their family and whānau
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Provide independent scientific research associated with gambling (for example, research on the social and economic impacts of gambling, particularly the impacts of gambling on different cultural groups).
The strategy also includes proposals for the problem gambling levy, which is collected from the main gambling sectors to recover the costs of the strategy.
There are 10 public meetings scheduled to take place in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. Meeting details are listed on this webpage. The meetings will provide people with an opportunity to hear about the draft strategy, ask questions and have a say.
Further information about gambling harm, public meetings and making a submission is also available on the webpage.
The Ministry of Health is not expecting detailed comments at the meetings as detailed submissions can be made by either completing the Ministry of Health’s online submissions form or completing the form at the back of the consultation document and emailing it to gamblingharm@moh.govt.nz
The Ministry of Health is leading the consultation with support from the Department of Internal Affairs. We would encourage you to take the opportunity to make your views known and contribute to shaping the future direction of the Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm.
The closing date for submissions is Friday 21 September 2018.
