Pokie machines contributing to family violence
NewsTalk ZB 13 June 2017
Family First Comment: This was one of the concerns we raised when we opposed the SkyCity deal https://www.familyfirst.org.nz/issues/skycity-pokie-deal/
And when we called for stronger provisions in the Gambling Harm bill https://www.familyfirst.org.nz/issues/gambling-harm/
Both of these issues were ‘softened’ / weakened by the National government!
Pokie machines are sparking family violence when frustrated gamblers get home.
New research found more than half its 454 participants fall victim to abuse thanks to gambling.
It found most victims are screamed at while nine percent experience physical violence.
Problem Gambling Foundation New Zealand CEO Paula Snowden said it starts off as fun and games but families quickly suffer at the hands of addictive pokies machines.
“People go home so disappointed having lost everything through the pokie machines, and it comes out somewhere. It usually affects the family and children.”
She said casinos get a lot of attention for harmful gambling but pokie machines are the real root of the problem.
“Pokie machines in country rural, suburban New Zealand are causing the most harm. The number of machines in New Zealand needs to come down.”
READ MORE: http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/news/national/pokie-machines-contributing-to-family-violence/
READ THE RESEARCH: Problem Gambling and Family Violence in Help-Seeking Populations: Co-occurrence, Impact and Coping
http://www.health.govt.nz/publication/problem-gambling-and-family-violence-help-seeking-populations-co-occurrence-impact-and-coping
