A massive NZ gambling addiction investment was unveiled in early June 2025.
On Thursday, New Zealand’s minister for mental health announced new initiatives to fight problem gambling.
Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey said that the government released its refreshed Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm.
As part of the new strategy, the government will spend over $81 million to “improve access to support, strengthen prevention and early intervention, and reduce the impact of gambling-related harm across New Zealand.”
The funding amount converts to nearly $50 million USD. For comparison, the U.S. government does not provide dedicated funding for problem gambling treatment, prevention, or research.
“We know that simply announcing strategies isn’t enough to make a material difference,” Doocey said. “We want New Zealanders to see real change and make progress, that is why as part of this strategy we’ve built in an independent review in 2025/26 to track what’s working, and what’s not.”
Bolstering Gambling Harm Workforce
The NZ gambling addiction investment will be used to hire more people with training in problem gambling support.
“We know one of the biggest barriers to people accessing support is workforce,” Doocey said. “That is why the plan includes ways we will grow the gambling harm workforce. We will be creating up to 18 additional clinical internship places.”
The goal is to help these interns quickly gain the practical experience to launch a career in combating gambling-related harm.
In other words, the government will expedite the process to gain the required experience to work in gambling harm prevention.
“Not only will this ensure more people can access help, but this will also support people who could otherwise struggle to meet the requirements to become registered clinicians,” Doocey said.
According to New Zealand’s mental health minister, one in five New Zealanders will be affected by gambling harm in their lifetime—either directly or through someone they know.
Source of NZ Gambling Addiction Investment
The new Problem Gambling Levy Regulations will fund the enhanced gambling services.
The money comes from non-casino gaming machine operators, casinos, TAB NZ, and Lotto NZ.
Work is also underway on how online casino operators will contribute under upcoming regulations.
A two-stage consultation process developed the bolstered strategy for addressing gambling addiction, according to Doocey.
Crucially, the government consulted people with lived experience of gambling harm.
“I want to thank those who shared their experiences with us,” Doocey said. “You’ve helped ensure this strategy is reflective of real-life experiences and have helped to ground the strategy with a strong understanding of what support works best for you and our communities.”
The NZ gambling addiction investment comes as neighboring Australia looks to further address its betting addiction crisis.
Photo courtesy of RZN/Dom Thomas.
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