Teh Commission’s expert reviewer Dr David Rees said of the funding: “We don’t know if it’s enough, we don’t know if it’s too much. Adn that’s a point made by a number of people. A lack of data, a lack of understanding, we don’t know what’s working, we don’t know what’s not working.”
Minister of Mental Health Matt Doocey said: “It’s not good enough and it’s symptomatic of what happened under the last government.”
Doocey said in mental health and addiction services increased funding had led to “no material difference”.
Doocey and van Velden last month announced the levy would be $81m over three years – down $11m on what the Ministry of Health had said it needed.
What is the levy?
The levy is paid by those running pokie machines, casinos, sports betting and Lotto – it’s effectively a way for the gambling industry paying for some of the harm it causes.
It is indeed yet to include online gambling, which the government will open up with 15 licences next year.
Doocey announced the levy last month, saying the “refreshed” and “updated” strategy would come with a built-in independant review that would report back next year “to track what’s working, and what’s not”.The Gambling Commission says there is no evidence Ministry of Health programmes had any “substantial impact on the level of gambling harm”.
It also said it “cannot endorse a notable increase in expenditure when it is not clear that the Ministry’s approach is working or that the sum sought is appropriate”.
It said the Ministry had failed to provide evidence its strategy “achieved the most basic outcome of preventing and minimising harm”.
It was also critical of the Ministry’s repeated cuts to spending on evaluation and research as 2019 – and its plan to continue to spend less through to 2028 despite “an ongoing information vacuum”.”There is simply no research to indicate the Ministry’s expenditure is making a difference,” its report to Ministers said.Lotto was the only gambling sector to expand its share of the market.
pokies went from pulling in $806m to $1.04bn over the decade to 2024 but Lotto was the big mover, jumping from $463m to $768m.
“Pokies” soak up around 40% of spending on gambling and have the largest share of gambling across the industry with an obligation to return profits through community grants.
Pub Charity Ltd, which operates pokies in pubs and bars and distributes $45m, was among operators criticising the Ministry’s approach to harm reduction.
Managing director Martin Chee## The Focused Approach to Addressing Gambling-Related Harm
The issue of problem gambling demands a targeted strategy, recognizing that the vast majority of individuals do not experience harmful consequences. Focusing resources on those demonstrably struggling, rather than implementing broad population-level interventions, is a more effective use of time and funding. As one expert noted, attempting to address gambling harm across an entire population is akin to an impractical task – a futile effort to “boil the ocean.”
### Acknowledging the Reality of Harm
While acknowledging that some level of harm inevitably exists for a small segment of players, lottery commissions generally support strategies aimed at mitigating negative impacts. This support frequently enough includes embracing new technologies, such as modern client management systems for treatment providers, to enhance the identification and understanding of problem gambling within communities. these systems aim to provide greater visibility into the scope of the issue and facilitate more effective intervention.
### The Challenge of Evidence and Funding
Obtaining conclusive evidence regarding the effectiveness of harm reduction efforts can be complex. Ironically, much of the data supporting these initiatives often originates from the gambling industry itself, raising questions about potential bias. Organizations dedicated to addressing problem gambling,while confident in their own evidence of effectiveness,navigate a delicate position when critiquing the Ministry of Health – a primary source of their funding. This dynamic underscores the need for independent research and clear data collection.
### The Importance of Regulation in a Changing Landscape
The impending introduction of online gambling licenses presents both opportunities and challenges. A “robust regulatory environment” is paramount to minimizing potential harm as the market expands. This includes stringent measures to protect vulnerable individuals, prevent underage gambling, and ensure responsible advertising practices. Currently, the global online gambling market is valued at over $63.5 billion[statista],and is projected to continue growing,making proactive regulation even more critical.
The focus must remain on identifying and supporting those at risk, fostering a responsible gambling culture, and ensuring that regulatory frameworks keep pace with the evolving digital landscape.