Who is responsible for gambling in New Zealand?
Gambling Regulations
Gambling in New Zealand is regulated by the Gambling Act . The Gambling Act replaced the Gaming and Lotteries Act , and the Casino Control Act .
The purpose of the Gambling Act is to:
- Control the growth of gambling
- Prevent and minimise the harm caused by gambling, including problem gambling
- Authorise some gambling and prohibit the rest
- Facilitate responsible gambling
- Ensure the integrity and fairness of games
- Limit opportunities for crime or dishonesty associated with gambling
- Ensure that money from gambling benefits the community
- Facilitate community involvement in decisions about the provision of gambling.
The Department of Internal Affairs
The Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) administers gambling legislation, licenses gambling activities (except for casino gambling), ensures compliance with the legislation and provides public information and education.
The DIA website has information about the legislation that governs gambling, and information and statistics on gambling in New Zealand.
If you are concerned about any aspect of a venue’s compliance with gambling regulations send an email to the Department of Internal Affairs’ gaming compliance unit.
The Ministry of Health
The Ministry of Health is responsible for the prevention and treatment of problem gambling, including:
- Funding and coordinating national and local problem gambling services
- Raising awareness of the risks of problem gambling
- Conducting in-depth research about problem gambling in New Zealand.
Your local council
Your local council will have a policy for gambling that it reviews regularly to determine the number of pokie machines and TABs in the area. Communities can and should have their say in this process.