The Government is looking into strengthening regulations (rules) to minimise harm from Class 4 gambling (pokies) in New Zealand.

Pokies in our pubs, clubs and TAB NZ outlets are the most harmful form of gambling in New Zealand. Most of the people who contact gambling help service providers say pokies are their source of harm. Māori and Pacific communities, who may already be experiencing financial or social challenges, experience disproportionate harm from a concentration of pokies in their neighbourhoods.

Strengthening regulations could help prevent and minimise the risk of harmful gambling for whānau and communities. The Government is considering a range of options focused on how staff in pubs and clubs identify and deal with harmful gambling, potential changes to the machines and opportunities for more penalties.

This is the first stage of the Government’s steps to prevent and minimise harm from pokies.

Credit: reducingpokiesharm - dia.govt.nz