Gambling news from http://www.gisborneherald.co.nz/
The incidence of problem gambling has dropped by a third since the introduction of the smoking ban in pubs and clubs.
Problem Gambling Helpline chief executive Krista Ferguson told The New Zealand Herald calls received from new gamblers across New Zealand had fallen by 33 percent in 2005 and had stayed down this year.
This drop was reflected in Gisborne, with referrals from Ngati Porou Hauora Problem Gambling Services reducing over the last year.
A Ngati Porou Hauora spokesman said that although no official research had been completed in Tairawhiti at this time, the smoking ban appeared to have had some effect here.
"Information provided by some pokie machine and venue operators is that there is a drop in revenue," the NPH representative said.
It was thought this might have been because time spent on pokie machines was reduced due to the need to physically remove themselves from the premises when they need to smoke, although the Gambling Act of 2003 was also thought to be a contributing factor.
Gaming machine manager at Sessions in Gisborne, Fiona Challies, said she believed the numbers of people using gaming machines had definitely dropped since the smoking ban was put in place.
"It’s good in a way because instead of sitting there and getting into the mindset, people have to actually get up and take breaks," she said.
Before the smoking ban, people were more prone to sitting at a machine for long periods of time and therefore spent more money.
She believed that for smokers, having to go outside to have a cigarette often made them decide to go home.
Ms Challies believed that as a result, problem gambling had lessened in her workplace.
Clubs New Zealand president Brian Smith told The New Zealand Herald "the cycle is broken. They go out for a cigarette and don’t come back."
NPH said the Gambling Act of 2003 had meant increased responsibility by machine and venue owners as well as more community awareness of the consequences of gambling.
NPH identified problem gamblers accessing assistance for their gambling problems through NPH Problem Gambling Services were 80 percent Maori female, with pokie machines being their choice.
|
|
