PR: Pokie gambling in New Zealand pubs and clubs costing retail sector over $400 million a year
Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand
by
3y ago
A recent New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) report commissioned by The Salvation Army and the Problem Gambling Foundation estimates that if household expenditure on Class 4 pokie gambling was diverted to other uses, the retail sector could have gained an estimated $445 million in 2018/19. Paula Snowden, Problem Gambling Foundation CEO, says the report highlights the surprising extent of the drain on the retail sector from gambling on pokies in pubs, clubs and TABs. “With the retail and hospitality sector still hurting from the COVID-19 lockdown, it is time to acknowledge that ..read more
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Upper Hutt City Council’s draft gambling policy fails to address harm
Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand
by
4y ago
​The Problem Gambling Foundation is concerned at the Upper Hutt City Council’s draft gambling policy which as it stands will be ineffective in reducing gambling harm from pokies and controlling the growth of gambling in the region.   Problem Gambling Foundation CEO, Paula Snowden says pokies in pubs and clubs are the most harmful form of gambling in Aotearoa New Zealand, yet the Council’s draft policy doesn’t even include an option for a sinking lid policy.   “A sinking lid policy is the best policy available to keep the number of pokies down in the community. Not only has the Counci ..read more
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Diggy Dupe’s heartfelt lyrics tell the real story of gambling harm
Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand
by
4y ago
My mama was dealing cards  Provide people appealing odds    And we would feel the loss  At dinner time   Cause ain’t no meal to maul.  I get it,  Ain’t a problem if you spend to vent  But there’s a problem if you often got to spend the rent Poignant and heartfelt, these lyrics are from Auckland rapper Diggy Dupe’s song ‘CT&T,’ the second track from his forthcoming album That’s Me, That’s Team, due for release later this year. Diggy Dupe, finalist for best hip hop act at last year's Vodafone New Zeal ..read more
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Ending community sector dependence on pokie funding
Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand
by
4y ago
What would you do with $939 million dollars? In 2019, that’s how much Kiwi’s lost on pokies in pubs and clubs around the country – and the amount we lose keeps growing every year. Proponents of the Class 4 gambling (non-casino pokies) sector justify these losses by saying the money eventually finds its way back to communities through grants from pokie trusts; yet in 2019 only $241 million was paid out to community and sports groups, with the rest going to taxes and administrative costs. ​ We’ve known for a long time that a maj ..read more
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New live chat service makes asking for help with a gambling problem that much easier
Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand
by
4y ago
Many clients say they have phoned several times and always hung up before they spoke to a counsellor. Live chat may be the difference between someone asking for help now or putting it off until things are even worse, because live chat avoids saying aloud what they are feeling so ashamed of.”   ​Denise Giles, Duty Counsellor, PGF Services If there's one thing the COVID-19 lockdown taught us, it was to be innovative and find alternative ways to do things – and fast! During lockdown, delivering counselling services for p ..read more
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PGF Group Coronavirus Update
Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand
by
4y ago
As New Zealand sees out our first week at COVID19 Alert Level 4, we want to encourage everyone to be kind, look after each other and to seek support if it is needed. The escalation to Alert Level 4 requires a closure of our offices and clinics, but we are still providing free and confidential counselling services by phone, email or video call. Our counsellors are now working remotely to ensure everyone who requires it can still access support during normal business hours. We know many of you will be feeling a mix of very intense emotions - adjusting to the eerie quiet amidst a sta ..read more
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Media Release PGF: Better consultation needed on Upper Hutt pokies
Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand
by
4y ago
The Problem Gambling Foundation is concerned at reports the people of Upper Hutt City will not be given the opportunity to let Councillors know what they think about the numbers of pokie machines in their city.   Council officers recommended a draft policy for public consultation that excluded an option for a ‘sinking lid’.  A sinking lid policy means once a Class 4 venue closes, another cannot be established in its place. A true sinking lid would also prevent venues from relocating to another part of the city and would reduce the number of pokie machines in Clubs if they merge. &nbs ..read more
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How to support a family member struggling with a gambling problem this holiday season
Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand
by
4y ago
For many people the summer holidays in New Zealand mean time with family, celebrating Christmas and exchanging gifts, staying up to the early hours of the morning on New Year’s Day, enjoying relaxed days by the pool or at the beach, and summer picnics and BBQ’s. But for some people, the holiday season can be stressful. The increased pressures of the holiday season (i.e. spending time in a potentially dysfunctional family environment or the pressure to provide Christmas gifts) can increase their urge to gamble. ​ Typically, January and February are very busy times of the year for our servi ..read more
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An immediate, supportive response: report from our Duty Counsellors…
Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand
by
4y ago
Did you know that we provide counselling and support over the phone and via email for anyone affected by gambling harm? At PGF Services we have duty counsellors available to answer your questions and provide immediate support via phone or email from Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5.00pm.  If you've ever wondered what it's like to call our service, have a read of this blog written by one of our duty counsellors...  Many calls start with “I’m not sure if I have called the right place?” First time callers are nervous, feel ashamed, know they need to change, and are often moti ..read more
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Media Release: Record number of pokies being paused around the country for Gambling Harm Awareness Week next week
Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand
by
4y ago
Eighty-three pubs and clubs from Whangarei to Bluff will be pausing their pokies for an hour or more during Gambling Harm Awareness Week next week.   The Fitzroy Tavern in Wainuiomata has raised the bar this year by pausing its pokies for a whole day on Monday 2 September to launch the awareness raising week.   Many of the venues participating in pause the pokies this year are providing refreshments and entertainment while the pokies are paused.   The Pause the Pokies initiative is being coordinated by problem gambling service providers around the country:  Te Rangihaeata O ..read more
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