What are the real odds? Department helps gambling operators with information they must provide

31/03/2005

With the next stage of new regulations to prevent and minimise the harm caused by gambling coming in to force tomorrow, 1 April 2005, the Department of Internal Affairs is providing problem gambling information for gambling operators to use.

The Director of the Department’s Gaming and Censorship Regulation Group, Keith Manch said that from tomorrow all gambling operators with gaming machines in pubs and clubs and casinos must provide information to gamblers about:

• the odds of winning on gaming machines
• information about the characteristics of problem gambling
• how to seek advice for problem gambling.

They must also have signs clearly visible to all players that:

• encourage players to gamble only at levels that they can afford
• contain advice how to seek assistance for problem gambling.

To help gambling operators comply with the regulation, the Department has created a problem gambling pamphlet and a sign that meets all the requirements of the regulation.

The pamphlet and sign are available on the Department’s website www.dia.govt.nz. Please click on the Gambling section then on the side tab called Problem Gambling.

Gambling operators can use the pamphlet and sign as a template, print copies off the website, or get copies printed.

Printed copies can be purchased from:
Albion Graphics
12 Armidale Street
Petone, Lower Hutt.
Telephone: 04 568 2552
e-mail: Brian@albiongraphics.co.nz.

Gambling operators can produce their own information but must ensure that it meets the requirements relating to problem gambling.

Gambling (Harm Prevention and Minimisation) Regulations 2004
The regulations were made in August 2004 with lead in dates for particular regulations. They are available on the Department’s website.

Regulations 5 and 11 come into force tomorrow. These:

• ban automatic teller machines from gambling areas in pubs, clubs and casinos (regulation 5)
• require gambling operators to provide information about problem gambling (regulation 11)

Media contact

Keith Manch
Director Gaming and Censorship Regulation Phone 04 495 9449, Cellular 027 445 6420

Vince Cholewa
Communications Advisor Phone 04 495 9350, Cellular 027 272 4270