The Ministry of Health, as ‘the Department responsible’, is tasked with the funding and coordination of problem gambling services under the Gambling Act 2003, and assumed responsibility for this role on 1 July 2004. The Gambling Act requires the development of an integrated problem gambling strategy focused on public health.
The Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF) is a national non-profit organisation predominantly funded by the Ministry of Health with funds received from the gambling levy
PGF is the largest single treatment provider for problem gambling in Australasia with over 60 locations throughout New Zealand and a staff of 58. Qualified counsellors provide free, professional and confidential counselling services for both gamblers and others affected by gambling and a dedicated public health team works on problem gambling issues in the community using a health promotion approach.
PGF has the only dedicated Asian services team (Asian Family Services) in New Zealand providing free and confidential counselling, information and education in Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese.
Mapu Maia provide a culturally appropriate counselling and support service for Pasifika.