Government congratulated on community fund

Press Release

Government congratulated on community-based projects fund

[05.07.05]

The Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF) congratulates the Government on its establishment of a Significant Community-Based Projects Fund.

"Such a fund will help reduce the community reliance on pokie trusts," says John Stansfield, CEO of PGF.

"Many community organizations are beginning to see pokies wreak havoc on their communities. Pokies are causing problems and poverty, that is not helping to build sustainable communities," says Mr Stansfield.

Pokies are the primary mode for problem gambling for 89% of people seeking treatment from problem gambling agencies. Problem gambling affects more than the individual. For every person with a gambling problem, seven others are affected. This includes whanau, friends, employers and work colleagues, and the wider community.

"Our communities are becoming increasingly dependent on money from pokies, to do the things we used to fundraise as a community for. This dependency is chipping away at community spirit and togetherness."

"We need more initiatives like this that can break the dependency cycle. This will be a huge relief to struggling groups who believe it is unethical to accept pokie money."

ENDS

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