Knowledge, views and experiences of gambling and gambling‐related harms in different ethnic and socio‐economic groups in New Zealand

Abstract Objective: To describe survey findings which measure broader gambling harms and provide benchmark data to evaluate an awareness and education program to minimise harm; part of NZ's public health approach to problem gambling. To assess whether previously reported ethnic and socio‐economic disparities are evident when researching broader gambling harms. Methods: An in‐home, nationwide survey captured data from a multi‐stage, random probability sample of 1,774 adults and 199 15–17‐year‐olds. Oversampling Māori (NZ's indigenous people), Pacific and Asian peoples, and people in areas of deprivation, allowed analysis by ethnicity and socio‐economic status. Results: Data show high participation levels; around 8 out of 10 people took part in at least one gambling activity in the previous 12 months. Type and frequency of activities was used to define four groups: infrequent gamblers (60.9%); frequent, non‐continuous gamblers (17.6%); frequent, continuous gamblers (4%); and non‐gamblers (17.5%). Self‐reported knowledge of the signs of gambling harm was high. Arguments about gambling and people going without/unpaid bills provided two indicators of broader gambling harm. Around one‐sixth of New Zealanders experienced each of these harms. Impacts were greatest for low‐income groups, Māori, and Pacific peoples. Conclusions: The proportion of New Zealander's experiencing broader gambling harms is much higher than the prevalence for problem gambling. Consistent with other research, results show the flow‐on impacts of problem gambling – on family, friends and communities. Implications: Measures can be developed to benchmark the wider harms of gambling and evaluate public health programs addressing harm at population and sub‐population levels