New Zealand Reveals New Gambling Harm Prevention Strategy

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By Arijit Roul - 8 Jun, 2025 More about the author

Key Points

New Zealand’s Minister for Mental Health introduced a brand new plan aiming to prevent gambling-related harm across the nation.
This updated approach includes a clinician internship programme and also schedules an independent review for 2025/26.

Matt Doocey, who serves as New Zealand’s Minister for Mental Health, has announced an updated strategy to stop gambling harm in the country. During his speech, Doocey explained that the new plan uses a focused NZ$81 million (US$49.1 million) investment, designed to improve help for those getting hurt by gambling. Long-term change is the main goal, with this strategy including an independent review in 2025/26 to check and refine the results.

New Zealand Boosts Gambling Harm Prevention with Expanded Support, Workforce Training, and Community-Driven Reforms

The biggest part of the funding will be used for prevention actions, better support, and improved treatment access, plus there are now 18 new clinical internship spots to grow the workforce fighting gambling issues in New Zealand. Doocey commented, “One in five New Zealanders will feel the impact of gambling harm at some point—maybe themselves or someone close. This harm is very serious and doesn’t only damage individuals; it often touches whole families and big community groups as well.”

He continued, “Thank you to everyone who shared stories with us. Your true-life examples helped make sure this plan fits the real needs in our towns and cities, showing what support actually works for you and your family.” Worth mentioning, this plan was created from a two-part consultation that listened carefully to people who have lived through gambling harm. Another important piece: people in recovery from gambling problems now can train to become registered clinicians through the new internship programme.

In fact, these latest improvements follow news from January that the Rangitīkei District Council opened a review of its gambling rules. More recently, the government decided not to accept a NZ$150 million proposal from The Tab for an online casino license.