Problem Gambling

Gambling Action Group (GAG), is a collaborative community group initially formed to provide a public health response to the Whangarei District Council policy on Class 4 Gambling Venues. Members include Manaia Health PHO, Nga Manga Puriri, Problem Gambling Foundation and NURM.

A public health perspective to gambling removes the spotlight on the individual problem gambler and instead highlights the role of business and the societal and structural factors that influence gambling.

Gambling harm disproportionately effects disadvantaged members of our community thus making it a social justice, equity issue – a priority for public health. Minimizing harm from problem gambling and building community strength and resilience are public health strategies to address gambling.

A key public health strategy to reduce gambling harm is to reduce the availability and supply of gaming machines in the community.

The Whangarei GAG was successful in limiting the growth of gaming machines within the Whangarei district. The Whangarei District Council has a strict Class 4 Gambling Venue Policy and Board Venue Policy that does not allow the licensing of new venues which will eventually mean the number of pokie machines in the district will remain static and should eventually reduce if current venues close.

For more information on a public health approach to gambling go to the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand www.pgfnz.co.nz .