Problem Gambling in NZ: Scale, Risk, and Who’s Affected

26-11-2025



For some members of New Zealand’s gambling community, in recent years, gambling has become more than just a leisure pursuit — it has become something harmful and distressing.

To appreciate the problem from the insider’s angle, we interviewed John Gold, the founder of BetPokies NZ - one of the country`s best reviewers of top online casino sites. BetPokies NZ is run by ZehrMedia LTD. John and his team have spent years studying the local gambling market, assessing the value of gambling as a form of entertainment and the risks that it entails.

“Looking closely at player behaviour, you come to a realisation that gambling harm doesn`t begin with addiction, it starts with habits” - says John Gold.

The Hidden Core of the Problem

Gambling problems are not a rare thing in New Zealand, as they touch a huge number of people of different ages, directly or indirectly. As the Ministry of Health claims, one in five people in New Zealand were harmed by gambling, whether it’s their own problem or someone they know. According to the New Zealand Gambling Survey, around 359,000 people aged starting from 16 have experienced harm from gambling, and about 381,000 adults have complained about gambling harm in their families and homes.

In simple words, a lot of people in New Zealand live in households that were harmed by gambling stress or financial problems, even if they are not the gamblers themselves.

But what is the perspective of those who are problem gamblers themselves? The New Zealand National Gambling Survey 2025 investigation showed that around 2.4% of the population is at risk of becoming problem gamblers. About 0.5% of New Zealanders are already problem gamblers - a figure that may seem small at first glance, yet in real terms it represents well over 100,000 individuals whose lives are directly affected by gambling harm.

Who Is Most Vulnerable?

DIA studies show that gambling does not affect all people equally. There are certain community groups that are more open to being harmed by gambling.

• Ethnic groups: Māori, Pacific, and some Asian groups report over twice the level of moderate to severe gambling harm than European/other groups.
• Areas of low income and high deprivation: It has been found that nearly 50% of the overall number of electronic gaming machine installations (EGMs, “pokies”) are found in the most socioeconomically deprived areas (NZ Dep 8-10). It is exactly in these areas that people can least afford to lose.
• In the Health & Lifestyles Survey, people living in high deprivation areas had a 4.5 times greater chance of having arguments about gambling or money worries.
• Younger gamblers: International studies estimate that between 4% and 8% of youth gamble at a problematically high level, with a further 10% to 15% at a risk level. Exposure to gambling at a younger age is linked to poor outcomes.
• Frequent pokies gamblers: Of those people who engage in pokies (EGM) gambling at least once a month, 50.3% experience some problem gambling. This is not surprising since pokies gambling is specifically identified as one of the most harmful forms of gambling under legislation in New Zealand.

What Can Be Done - Personal Steps by BetPokies NZ Experts

BetPokies New Zealand believes in practising responsible gaming. It can help to create a safe environment that is enjoyable to play in. The following guide gives the best advice on practising responsible gaming that experts give to any Kiwi online betting user.

1. Establishing and Adhering to a Budget
Before engaging in any form of gambling, a limit needs to be determined, as well as the extent of the amount a player is prepared to lose. This is important in keeping everything under control as a means of ensuring that gambling does not in any way affect one’s life.

2. Take Breaks
A break is essential in making the right decisions in gambling. It is rather simple to get overly involved in what is happening, but at a certain point, it is imperative to get up from the gaming table. A break is essential in making sure that one does not overplay a session.

3. Avoid Chase Losses
It is expected to feel frustrated after a losing bet. Yet, becoming irate and attempting to catch up in the last losing bet is one of the gambling fallacies. It is always advisable to take a break and come back to a new, unrelated gambling experience.

4. Know When to Stop
As a responsible gambler, one needs to understand when to quit. For example, if one discovers that one’s habit of gambling is affecting one’s emotions, cash flow, as well as one’s relations with others, that is a sign that one needs to quit.

5. Seek Help if Needed
It is important to remember that gambling is a form of entertainment. However, if you feel that a problem is already arising, don`t wait until it gets worse. BetPokies NZ is here to help those in need. You can always turn to a professional counsellor as well as a gambling support group in order to gain the help that is needed.

By following these simple guidelines, you will ensure that not only will you enjoy a pleasant gaming experience, but a safe one as well.