Gambling Act proves purpose

10 October 2005

Gambling Act proves purpose in quarterly statistics

“The Department of Internal Affairs is to be congratulated on regulating the tighter laws around gambling,” says Graham Aitken, National Operations Manager of the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF).

“It is very heartening to see that the purpose of the Gambling Act – minimising harm caused by gambling – is in evidence through these latest statistics,” says Mr Aitken.

Although the numbers of gambling machines, venues and operators have decreased in the last quarter, it is still disturbing that almost 90% of problem gamblers say pokies are the reason for their problem.

“The recent introduction of regulations such as the pop-up messages introduced last Saturday, will further help to eliminate the harm caused by gambling," he says.

“PGF finds this an exciting time with the reduction of machines and venues, and we look forward to seeing a reduction in people accessing our services. Less people being harmed by problem gambling would be evidence that the Gambling Act is working.”

ENDS

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