We strongly advocate that the voice of Asian community must be fully considered in decision-making for the Bill. The Asian population comprises 17.3% of New Zealand’s total population and is widely recognised by the Ministry of Health as a vulnerable group, disproportionately affected by gambling harm. Notably, Asian individuals face a 9.5 times higher risk of severe gambling harm compared to other groups.
Asian Family Services doesn't support the Bill in its current form. We are concerned that the substance of the Bill fails to reflect the statutory objective of harm minimisation.
Asian Family Services provides the following recommendations to the Committee:
- The Bill should prohibit all forms of gambling advertisement.
- The Bill should provide comprehensive protections, focusing on vulnerable groups identified by the Ministry of Health, including Māori, Pacific, Asian, youth, and low-income individuals.
- The Bill should incorporate comprehensive consumer protection measures that address the specific needs of vulnerable communities, identified by the Ministry of Health, including Māori, Pacific, Asian, youth, and low-income individuals.
- The Bill should mandate a comprehensive and culturally appropriate consultation process.
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Submission On Online Casino Gambling Bill Asian Family Services (1)