The Māori gambling harm collective is expressing deep concern over the New Zealand government’s new regulatory scheme for online casinos, fearing that it will exacerbate the already significant issue of gambling addiction within the Māori community. The collective, comprised of various Māori health and social service providers, has voiced their alarm over the government’s decision to allow online casinos to operate in the country without any safeguards in place to protect vulnerable populations from the harms of gambling.
The collective argues that online casinos pose a unique threat to Māori communities, as they provide easy access to gambling activities that can quickly spiral out of control. According to recent studies, Māori adults are almost twice as likely as non-Māori adults to experience gambling-related harm, with rates of problem gambling among Māori being significantly higher than the national average. The collective fears that the expansion of online gambling will only worsen these disparities, leading to more cases of addiction, financial hardship, and social breakdown within Māori communities.
In response to the government’s regulatory scheme, the Māori gambling harm collective has called for stronger protections to be put in place to safeguard the well-being of Māori gamblers. They are calling for measures such as mandatory spending limits, greater transparency in advertising, and increased funding for Māori-specific support services to help those struggling with gambling addiction. The collective believes that these safeguards are essential to mitigating the negative impacts of online gambling on Māori communities and preventing further harm from occurring.
The government, however, has defended its regulatory scheme, arguing that it strikes a balance between protecting consumers and promoting economic growth. They have stated that online casinos will be subject to strict licensing requirements and will be monitored closely to ensure compliance with regulations. Additionally, the government has pledged to allocate funding towards problem gambling prevention and support services, although critics argue that these measures are not sufficient to address the scale of the issue.
As the debate over online gambling regulation continues, the Māori gambling harm collective remains steadfast in their commitment to advocating for the well-being of Māori communities. They are urging the government to prioritize the health and safety of Māori gamblers above all else and to take proactive steps to address the root causes of gambling addiction within their communities. Only time will tell whether the government will heed their calls and implement stronger safeguards to protect Māori from the harms of online gambling.
