Stigma May Be Barrier for Maori, Pacific Gamblers

22 March 2006

MEDIA RELEASE 21 March 2006

Stigma May Be Barrier forMaori And Pacific Island Problem Gamblers

Concernsabout the stigma associated with problem gambling may bestopping Maori and Pacific Islanders from seeking help.

Pasifika Gambling Helpline team member at the GamblingHelpline, Jo, says traditionally, Pacific Island and Maoripeople find it difficult to share problems which may be seenas bringing shame on a family or community.

"PacificIsland and Maori people often try to fix the problem ontheir own and continue to gamble, which unfortunately canlead to greater harm for both themselves and theirfamilies."

The Gambling Helpline received over 2800 newcontacts from problem gamblers and significant others(family and friends) in 2005. Five percent of thesecontacts were made by people with a Pacific Islandbackground, while 15 percent of contacts had Maori descent.In contrast to Pacific gamblers who were evenly split withslightly more males than females, for Maori, females made upthe greatest proportion of gamblers and significantothers.

Although the overall contact levels are similar topopulation numbers, Jo says the contacts from Pacific Islandand Maori people do not reflect the large numbers sufferingin these communities from problem gambling and its affects. Previous research has indicated that Maori and Pacificpeople are disproportionately affected by gambling problemscompared to other ethnic groups.

According to Jo, PacificIsland men historically adopted gambling at the TAB as asocialisation technique to combat the isolation feltfollowing their arrival in New Zealand.

"They alsobrought with them intricate social structures, where moneyis often shared within a family or the church -- the furtherup the hierarchy you are, the more money you have to give.

"The pressure of this financial commitment can lead togambling. They may think that through gambling they canre-coup money for everyday living, and the ability to gamblehas been made easier by increased access to gamblingamenities such as pokie machines and casino facilities intheir communities. The reality is that you cannot makemoney gambling," she says.

Gambling Helpline chiefexecutive, Krista Ferguson, says it is important thatPacific Island and Maori people feel comfortable comingforward to seek help and realise that they are not requiredto identify themselves.

"Our Maori and Pacific helplinesprovide a free service, and are run by people who understandthe unique family and cultural pressures found in thesecommunities. Callers don t have to use their names whenthey access these services, and that first contact canprovide some real relief from the pressures resulting fromgambling problems.

"There are now more culture-specificservices available and we are able to connect a person withthese if required. We always value the choice of the personwho contacts us, whether they want mainstream, Maori orPacific-based services," she says.

Maori Gambling Helplineteam leader, Glenis, encourages Maori to use the helplineand maintain regular contact.

"Maori protocols such askarakia and waiata are observed if required. We also havesome great facilities on our website but with access tointernet services sometimes out of reach for Maori people,it is important that problem gamblers and their whanau usethe gambling freephone number for help," she says.

If youare worried about your own gambling or that of someone closeto you call the Maori Gambling Helpline 0800 654 656(Wednesday 5-9pm, Saturday 8am-12noon) or the PasifikaGambling Helpline 0800 654 657 (Tuesday 6-10pm, Thursday6-10pm). Alternatively contact the main Gambling Helpline0800 654 655 any day of the week.

GAMBLING STATISTICS- 2005

Gambling Helpline received a total of 2879 newcontacts in 2005 of which 1752 were received from gamblers.

Percentage of total new Pacific or Maori contacts inrelation to all new contacts: Pacific Island: 5%consisting of: 45% Samoan, 18% Cook Island Maori, 20%Tongan, 3% Fijian, 14% Other Pacific Island Maori:15%

Percentage of total new Pacific or Maori gamblercontacts in relation to all new gambler contacts PacificIsland: 6% Maori: 20%

Of the contacts from Pacificand Maori:

Females All Pacific contacts:55% Pacific gambler contacts: 49% All Maori contacts:69% Maori gambler contacts: 69%

Males All Pacificcontacts: 45% Pacific gambler contacts: 51% All Maoricontacts: 31% Maori gambler contacts: 31%

Significantothers (whanau or friends) All Pacific contacts: 17% ofwhich 72% are female and 28% are male All Maori contacts:17% of which 71% are female and 29% aremale

ENDS

GAMBLING HELPLINE CONTACTDETAILS

Gambling Helpline 0800 654 655 (Monday -- Friday,8am-10pm, Saturday -- Sunday9am-10pm) www.gamblingproblem.co.nz

Maori GamblingHelpline 0800 654 656 (Wednesday 5-9pm, Saturday8am-12noon) Pasifika Gambling Helpline 0800 654 657(Tuesday 6-10pm, Thursday 6-10pm) Youth Gambling Helpline0800 654 659 (Monday 5-8pm) orwww.inyaface.co.nz Gambling Debt Helpline 0800 654 658(Saturday12-4pm)
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