Ministry Welcomes Gamble Free Day

Balloons representing the 100 000 New Zealanders affected by problem gambling will be released at Parliament this Friday and Downtown Community Ministry will be there to show its support.

The event will coincide with many others around the country marking the 2nd annual Gamble Free Day.

In Wellington, a pokie machine will be wrapped up in chains and displayed in Manners Mall. Onlookers will be told that Gamble Free Day saves $5.5 million, the amount spent each day in New Zealand.

DCM takes a stand against problem gambling by not accepting funds from gambling.

Pokie machines are the biggest problem area for DCM clients and others with gambling addictions.

Foodbank use has also been connected to gambling.

In Auckland, a study has shown that areas with high concentrations of pokie machines also tend to be areas with high numbers of foodbank users.

“Evidence about the links between gambling and poverty, crime and social exclusion are overwhelming, we commend any efforts to make people more aware of its impact,” says DCM Director Stephanie McIntyre.

ENDS

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