Pubs and clubs in Lower Hutt to ‘pause the pokies’ for Gambling Harm Awareness Week

Seven pubs and clubs in Lower Hutt have agreed to ‘pause the pokie machines’ for one hour in recognition of Gambling Harm Awareness Week, 4-10 September 2017.

The move is part of a campaign run by the Problem Gambling Foundation, Mapu Maia, Asian Family Services and the Salvation Army Oasis to raise awareness about the harm caused by gambling and particularly pokies.

The Problem Gambling Foundation’s health promoter, Therese Grevatt, says every venue in Lower Hutt with pokie machines was invited to take part in the campaign.

“We are really pleased that seven venues have chosen to take part and support Gambling Harm Awareness Week,” she says.

“Venues have an important role in providing effective host responsibility for their patrons, looking for any signs of harmful gambling and intervening if necessary.”

“We’ve had such a positive response to this idea from people who live and work in Lower Hutt so we encourage the community to let the venues know that they appreciate their efforts this Gambling Harm Awareness Week.”

The Salvation Army Oasis spokesperson, Vicki Hirini, says the campaign targets Lower Hutt as it is more concentrated with pokies than any other city in wider Wellington.

“Lower Hutt lost over $26 million on pokie machines last year, and there is one machine for every 165 adults,” she says.

“Pokies are addictive machines and are the most harmful form of gambling. We hope this campaign will help to raise awareness about the harm that gambling can cause and also provide an opportunity for patrons to ‘pause’ and think about their gambling.”

The seven venues taking part in ‘Pause the Pokies’ are the Fitzroy Tavern, Wainuiomata Bowling Club, Te Aroha Pavilion, Naenae Bowling Club, Stokes Valley Cosmopolitan Club, and Strike and Murphy’s Sports Bar at the Angus Inn.

As part of Gambling Harm Awareness Week there will be two screenings of the documentary ‘It’s Not a Game’ which looks into the lives of New Zealanders affected by harmful gambling. The screenings will be held on Tuesday 5 September at 7pm and Friday 8 September at 12.15pm at Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision, 84 Taranaki Street, Wellington.

Details on these events and other events around the country for Gambling Harm Awareness Week, can be found at www.pgf.nz.

ENDS

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