Press Release

Gambling-related crime at Housie [31.10.06]

“All forms of gambling can lead to crime, and Manukau is particularly blighted,” says John Stansfield, CEO of the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF).

“Crime is often the result of someone with a gambling problem committing a crime such as theft or fraud, to fund their gambling habit, but too often are cases of people being robbed of their winnings after gambling. This is more common in Manukau with a greater number of people in a low socio-economic area, who are commit crimes while trying to recoup their gambling losses” says Mr Stansfield.

“An armed robbery during a community game of Housie is testament that all forms of gambling can lead to crime,” he says.

“What is of a greater concern is that the armed robbers chose to target a community hall that was fundraising for the Samoan Catholic community, where someone could have been shot. This is further proof that it is not just someone with a gambling problem that is affected by gambling-related crime.

“It is sickening that innocent Housie players, doing good for their community, have become victims of crime, possibly for the sake of a few hundred dollars.”

ENDS

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