In 2019, PGF celebrated the 25th anniversary of the organisation along with introducing and consolidating our new branding. The Problem Gambling Foundation now trades as PGF Group, the overarching brand for PGF Services, Mapu Maia Pasifika Service, and Asian Family Services.
The organisation is a Charitable Trust, operating nationally with services delivered under contract to the Ministry of Health (MoH) and funded from the gambling levy.
Established in 1988 as the Compulsive Gambling Society (CGS), the organisation started out as a telephone service then expanded to include face to face services as demand grew. The prominent psychiatrist Fraser McDonald helped three men who were experiencing problems with gambling establish the CGS, because at that time there were no services available to work with gambling problems.
In 2001, the Problem Gambling Foundation succeeded the Compulsive Gambling Society, moving away from an addictions and medical-based philosophy to a public health approach.
Today, we deliver treatment and public health services nationwide. We have a skilled and diverse workforce with staff who are qualified in clinical work and health promotion.
Our vision is a socially just Aotearoa where all people flourish.
Our mission is to deliver public health and clinical services that support whanau/family and community wellbeing.
Everything we do is designed to support individuals, whānau and community wellbeing
Our work promotes equity and equality
We speak up in support of policies and programmes that minimise harm and support the vulnerable
We look for smart ways to work to improve access and achieve better outcomes
Improved outcomes for Māori are a priority and we work in a way that recognises the Treaty principles of protection, partnership and participation
We aim to be recognised for best practice in service, public health and advocacy.
