Massey research may be at odds with previous conventional wisdom about extent of problem gambling impacts

The recently reported assessment by Massey University of the social impacts of gambling may raise some important questions about existing conventional wisdoms the Chief Executive of the Charity Gaming Association, Francis Wevers, said today.

"The studies authors acknowledge that the results they have determined are, in some cases, significantly different to other studies which have formed the basis of policy making in the past.

"The authors identify much lower levels of gambling participation and heavy gambling than previous studies which, they say, may reflect the decline in users of treatment services and lower gambling expenditures.

"They also report heavy gambling (defined as 3 or more hours a week and or losses of 5% of income) as being experienced by only 3% of their sample of 7000 participants nationwide. This is one third of the 9% identified in a survey undertaken for the Health Sponsorship Council (approximately 1800 participants).

"Unsurprisingly the study shows that excessive gambling leads to problems in the life of the gambler and the people around them. This is not new knowledge.

"However, these data are very interesting and shed further light on the impacts of harmful gambling on Maori, Pacific and Asian communities. Gambling providers will study them with interest to see whether current policy settings are focused on the appropriate outcome areas," concluded Francis Wevers.

ENDS

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