New initiative aims to expand clinical workforce and improve access to support services
New Zealand’s government has announced a comprehensive new approach to reducing gambling harm, with Minister for Mental Health Matt Doocey revealing details of a NZ$81 million (US$49.1 million) strategy focused on prevention, treatment, and long-term recovery.
The revised initiative—developed through extensive public consultation—aims to strengthen both community support systems and clinical infrastructure, with an emphasis on lived experience and systemic reform.
Key Investment Areas: Prevention, Access & Workforce Development
At the heart of the strategy lies a focus on three pillars:
Prevention of gambling harm
Improved access to treatment
Workforce expansion, including a new clinical internship programme offering 18 placements.
These internships are not just designed for trained clinicians, but will also create pathways for people in recovery from gambling harm to become certified support professionals. This marks a significant move toward peer-informed care models, reflecting a deeper understanding of real-world recovery journeys.
“One in five New Zealanders will be affected by gambling harm in their lifetime – either directly or through someone they know,” said Doocey. “This can have devastating effects not only on individuals, but also on their families and wider communities.”
Independent Review Set for 2025/26
A key accountability mechanism has also been built into the plan: an independent review scheduled for 2025/26. This review will assess the strategy’s effectiveness and allow policymakers to fine-tune programmes based on emerging needs and data.
The inclusion of this review aligns with New Zealand’s broader shift toward evidence-based policy-making, particularly in public health and addiction services.
Grounded in Lived Experience
The strategy was crafted through a two-phase consultation process, involving input from those directly affected by gambling harm. This approach ensures that the policies and services offered are practical, empathetic, and tailored to real-world experiences.
Doocey specifically thanked individuals who shared their stories during the consultation process, noting that these contributions were vital in shaping a strategy anchored in community needs.
Policy Context: A Tougher Stance on Gambling Expansion
This strategy follows other recent developments in New Zealand’s regulatory stance on gambling. In January 2025, Rangitīkei District Council began reviewing its local gambling policies, signalling rising concern at the municipal level.
Moreover, the Government recently rejected a NZ$150 million proposal by The Tab to launch an online casino—illustrating a cautious national approach to online gambling expansion amid mounting harm reduction efforts.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter in Gambling Reform
The NZ$81 million initiative reflects a significant national investment in the mental health and wellbeing of New Zealanders. By combining professional development with community-driven insights, the strategy signals a shift from reactive harm response to proactive, holistic prevention.
If successfully implemented and evaluated, New Zealand may emerge as a model jurisdiction in designing gambling harm strategies that are inclusive, scalable, and sustainable.
