Problem Gambling Funding Being Cut In New Zealand

Problem gambling is always a subject that comes up when talking about any type of gambling legalization or expansion. In New Zealand, they have become the model for other countries when it comes to funding for problem gambling treatment.

This year, however, that funding is being cut for the first time. The Problem Gambling Foundation will lose out on $350,000, and the Army's Oasis service will lose $150,000 in funding.

"One of the reasons the government gave is so that the gambling industry has more to give out to community organizations," said Problem Gambling Foundation Chairman Richard Northey, expressing concern over the funding cut, "because the amount of the levy is such a small proportion of gambling proceeds that it wouldn't make any difference at all."

The levy Northey was referring to was put in place in the early 90's. That is the time that video machine gambling was introduced into pubs in New Zealand. Since the time the levy was established, there have been no funding cuts.

"This is a minor blow to these problem gambling organizations when looking at the big picture," said observer Kyle Reskin, "they still are going to have plenty of funding available to continue to do the quality work they have done in the past with regards to helping with problem gambling."

The organizations are going to lose what equates to about three percent of their funding. That is not a steep cut when considering how the global recession has slashed funding for many programs within the gambling industry around the world.

New Zealand is one of the more proactive countries when it comes to treatment and detection of problem gambling. Even with the cuts, the country is dedicating more funding to their problem gambling organizations than most countries.

May 25, 2009
Posted By Tom Jones
Staff Editor, CasinoGamblingWeb.com
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