Current Projects

The Socio-Economic Impacts of Gambling In New Zealand

A survey carried out in 2007 measured the impacts of gambling from
a representative sample of New Zealanders aged 15 to 80 years (to provide
information at the individual level and, allow for aggregation, at the societal
level). The survey collected quantitative measures which assessed the
negative and positive impacts of gambling experienced by the gambler and by
significant others (such as family and friends). The survey collected data on
the impacts of gambling on a general population sample and on three different ethnic groups within New Zealand; specifically Maori, Pacific peoples and Chinese/ Korean peoples. The survey report can be downloaded at the link below:

Assessment of the Social Impacts of Gambling in New Zealand
Erratum 10/02/09: Please note that on page 62 of the report under the heading Criminal activity the percentage figure given in the first line had been corrected to 25% (from 38%)

The 2007 survey used a methodology developed for measuring the impacts of gambling in New Zealand. The earlier project included a review of the available literature on methodologies and approaches for measuring the social and economic impacts of gambling, including economists' cost benefit analysis. Data was collected from stake-holders such as gambling industry representatives, gamblers, and those affected by the gambling of others to provide insights into the nature and range of gambling impacts. A quantitative data instrument was developed and piloted.

The report is available to download at the link below:

Socio-Economic Impacts of Gambling

Researchers: Professor Sally Casswell, Rachael Butler, Emily Rose, Jo Schmidt (SHORE); Helen Moewaka Barnes, Sandy Kerr, Suaree Borell (Whariki)

Funder: Problem Gambling Committee via the Health Research Council

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