Executive Summary
"On behalf of our rōpū, the Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF Services), respectfully recommend that the House of Representatives prohibit the advertising of all gambling in Aotearoa New Zealand (pokies, casinos, Lotto, TAB and online gambling), including on traditional media and online platforms.
This recommendation is based on national and international evidence demonstrating the harmful influence of gambling advertising, particularly on populations that experience gambling harm disproportionately. It is further supported by strong public sentiment, as evidenced by our petition, reflecting increasing frustration over the ineffectiveness of regulation in this space.
Our submission is written in support of our petition which received 6,341 signatures, and in response to the growing public health impacts associated with gambling advertising in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Despite well-documented evidence that the advertising of gambling furthers gambling participation, normalises gambling, and has a significant impact on those already experiencing gambling harm, it continues to be pervasive across traditional and digital platforms.
Additionally, as the Government moves towards licensing up to 15 online casino operators, the volume of gambling advertisements is expected to increase significantly.
Unlike alcohol and tobacco, there are few regulations to restrict gambling advertising. Public health experts have highlighted that gambling advertisements present a substantial risk to children and young people. Gambling harm also disproportionately impacts Māori, Pacific peoples, and those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the rapid normalisation of gambling is being driven by commercialisation, digitisation, and the widespread use of sponsorship and marketing to fuel its global growth.
A more detailed analysis of the issues and evidence supporting our recommendation is provided within the body of this submission. "
