New Zealand Gambling Spend Hits Five-Year High During FY 2020-21

According to an annual gambling activity report released by the New Zealand Department of Internal Affairs, gambling spend for the financial year 2020-21 grew by 16.56% over the previous year.

Spending on all forms of gambling grew year-on-year with the most significant increase seen in the New Zealand pokies sector where those machines are located outside a casino. Pokie gambling increased by 23% from $802 million in the previous year to $987 million in 2020-21. This is the highest figure for Class 4 gambling in the past five years.

A government review, announced by Internal Affairs Minister Jan Tinetti, is now underway, aiming to target and reduce harm experienced by people who use pokies.

In a statement released following the publication of the report, Problem Gambling Foundation Spokesperson Andree Froude said:

Froude went on to add:

“We encourage people to speak out about pokies in their communities and the funding system that relies on people in our poorest communities putting money into pokies.

“Gambling harm is a serious social issue in this country, disproportionately impacting Māori, Pasifika and Asian communities. Class 4 pokies are the most harmful form of gambling with nearly 50% of people seeking help for gambling citing pokies in pubs, clubs and TABs as their main form of gambling.”

Ciaran McEneaney

Ciaran has been working within the Gambling Industry as a deep analyst since 2019. His deep knowledge and understanding of all the gambling regulations, and processes makes him a true asset, and an always valuable point of view for Gambling Industry News, allowing us to cover every topics from a brand new perspective.