The geographic distribution of gaming machine proceeds in New Zealand

Abstract

Within NZ gambling and its associated harms are well-researched topics. However, most studies to date have relied upon the use of survey methodology or have focused on individual regions. In this paper we distribute gaming machine proceeds (GMP) from gaming venues to the surrounding localities in order to derive estimates of GMP per capita. It is hoped these estimates will enable the trusts who operate the electronic gaming machines (EGMs), and who are responsible for reinvesting a proportion of proceeds back into the community, to more accurately target funding towards the areas most affected by the harms of EGM gambling. Our estimates of GMP per capita also provide a means of assessing the criterion validity of the recently developed Dynamic Deprivation Index. Furthermore, although it is well known that Māori and Pacific Island populations have a higher incidence of problem gambling, our results imply that when controlling for socio-economic deprivation and the geographic location of EGMs the associations between ethnicity and GMP per capita are weak. From a policy perspective, this suggests the most effective way of limiting the harms of EGM gambling on these populations is to place tighter controls on the number of venues within their communities.

COVID-19 and the disproportionate harms of gambling, alcohol and the obesogenic environment on Māori.

“…7 There is a gradient of harm from the use of EGMs which aligns with socioeconomic status (SES), with lower SES correlated with increased harm. 8 Pokies are more densely concentrated in low socioeconomic regions; this aligns with the evidence showing that proximity to EGM venues is a risk factor for problem gambling. 8 Māori are more likely to be affected by gambling-related harm than non-Māori due to increased exposure in communities where Māori are more likely to live, and the correlation with other factors which predispose to harmful gambling such as poverty, other addictions, and job insecurity.…”

“…8 Pokies are more densely concentrated in low socioeconomic regions; this aligns with the evidence showing that proximity to EGM venues is a risk factor for problem gambling. 8 Māori are more likely to be affected by gambling-related harm than non-Māori due to increased exposure in communities where Māori are more likely to live, and the correlation with other factors which predispose to harmful gambling such as poverty, other addictions, and job insecurity. 9 The Alert Level 4 lockdown was a snapshot of what our communities could look like without pokies.…”

“…Currently there is a disproportionate contribution from the poorest communities and from Māori and Pacific whānau to the EGM income, but it is not necessarily distributed back into those same communities. 8 A government grant scheme is seen by the authors of this white paper as an opportunity to ensure more equitable distribution of funding. 10 There has been an enormous demand for government assistance, with gross domestic product (GDP) predicted to remain below pre-COVID-19 levels until 2022, and job losses across tourism, hospitality, and other industries accruing by the day.…”

The geography of gambling: A socio-spatial analysis of gambling machine location and area-level socio-economic status

“…Recent research from New Zealand has distributed proceeds from EGMs to the surrounding areas using inverse Huffmodelling to establish measures of EGM proceeds per capita at area level. It was found that the levels of EGM proceeds were highest in areas with the highest levels of socio-economic deprivation (Ward et al, 2020).…”

"Fast food psychology" or serious support: Brazilian migrant women talk about their experiences with digital tools for mental health in Aotearoa New Zealand

“…As colourism could be related to Paula's experience, migrant research discusses exclusionary behaviour against migrants. This kind of discriminatory behaviour is often referred to in the literature as the negative context of reception (Ward et al, 2019). When 76 migrants do not perceive their host country environments as welcoming and appreciative of other cultures, this can be related to negative health outcomes such as poor mental health and wellbeing (Ward et al, 2019).…”