The key findings in the research:

Asian Gambling Behaviour - General Gambling Activities

• In total, 74.7% of Asians engaged in some forms of gambling activity in the last 12 months (a significant increase since 2020 – 66%). The most common activity is buying lotto or instant scratch tickets (67.8%). Other gambling activities occur significantly less often, with under a third taking part in these activities;

1). Those aged 50+, and those earning $100K or more, are more likely to have never bought lotto or instant scratch tickets in the last 12 months. In contrast, those who are buying most regularly (i.e., at least twice a month) are Indians, those aged 30-49 years, and those earning $50-$100K incomes. Interestingly, there is a divide amongst Koreans as they over-index on never buying in the last 12 months, but also over-index on buying regularly (i.e., 5 or more times a week);

2). Chinese and Filipinos, those aged 50+, and those earning $100K or more, are more likely to never have engaged in private games with friends for money, gaming machines or pokies, or Casino table games. In contrast, Indians, those aged 18-29 years, and those earning $50-$70K have engaged in all these gambling activities most regularly (i.e., at least twice a month);

3). Chinese, those aged 50+, and those earning $100K or more, are more likely to have never placed a bet on any sports event with the NZ TAB in the last 12 months. In contrast, those who have done so regularly (i.e., at least twice a month) are more likely to be Indian, aged under 50 years, and earning $50-$100K incomes;

4). Chinese and Korean, those aged 50+, and those earning $100K or more, are more likely to never have engaged with online gambling and gaming in the last 12 months. In contrast, those who have done so regularly (i.e., at least twice a month) are more likely to be Indian or Filipino, aged 18-29 years, and earning $50-$100K incomes.

• Overall, 53.5% of Asians are aware of the Gambling Act’s classification of gambling for lotteries, prize competitions and instant games. Across ethnicity, Filipinos over-indexed (64.3%) on awareness of this classification whilst Chinese under-indexed (44.9%);

1). It is quite concerning that there is still 55% of Chinese don’t know lotteries, prize competitions and instant games are also classified as a type of gambling activity;

2). Across age, those who are younger (specifically 18-29 years) are more likely to be aware of the Gambling Act’s classification of gambling. And across income groups, those who earn up to $50K are less likely to be aware of the Gambling Act’s classification of gambling compared to other higher income groups;

Problem Gambling Severity Categorisation within the NZ Asian Population

• Among the gambling population, Problem gamblers make up 18.4%. However when assessing amongst all Asians in New Zealand, Problem gamblers make up 13.8%, and of this, 54.4% come from the Indian community (see gamblers’ profiling slide 27-29);

1). Chinese are more likely to be Non-gamblers or a Non-problem gambler whilst Indians are more likely to be Problem gamblers. Interestingly, Filipinos are divided in that they are both more likely to be Non-gamblers as well as a Moderate-risk gambler. Koreans are also divided where they are more likely to be Non-gamblers as well as a Low-risk gambler;

2). Overall, Problem gamblers are more likely to be Indian, Male, aged under 50 years, and earning $50-$70K. Moderate-risk gamblers are more likely to be Filipino, 30-49 years, and earning $70-$100K. Low-risk gamblers are more likely to be Korean, and earning $50-$70K;

3). Problem gamblers are more likely to engage in all 6 forms of gambling activity regularly (i.e., at least twice a month). Non-problem gamblers are more likely than all others to engage in buying lotto or instant scratch tickets less frequently (i.e., monthly or less). Low and Moderate-risk gamblers are more likely to engage in playing gaming machines or pokies 2-4 times a month;

Perceived Risk Factors for Developing an Addiction to Gambling

• On average, Asians believe that there are 4-5 perceived risk factors for developing an addiction to gambling. The top 3 are (1) lack of financial budgeting or planning, 58.6% (2) loneliness, 49.9%, and (3) job-related stress, 48%;

1). Problem gamblers are more likely to think that the use of certain medications and ethnicity are risk factors for developing an addiction to gambling. Non-gamblers however, are more likely to think it is the presence of other addictions, and Low-risk gamblers are more likely to think it is certain personality characteristics;

2). On average, Koreans perceive a higher number of risk factors for developing an addiction to gambling compared to other ethnicities;

3). On average, those aged 65+ tend to perceive a higher number of risk factors for developing an addiction to gambling;

Asians’ Perceptions of Gambling Stigmatisation Amongst the General Public

• Asians perceive that society has much stronger levels of stigmatisation towards excessive gambling (78.7%) than recreational gambling (52.3%). They also perceive that Asian (76.5%) or Maori/Pacific Island (74.1%) gamblers are stigmatised by society to a greater level compared to a European gambler (65.7%);

1). Among Problem gamblers, perceived societal stigmatisation towards excessive gambling is much higher than recreational gambling. There is however, little difference in perceived stigmatisation of the gambler’s ethnicity (i.e., all are stigmatised to a high degree);

• The top 3 expressions of public stigma about gamblers with addiction are (1) having unrealistic expectations about winning at gambling (65.9%), (2) having an addictive personality (61.4%), and (3) are irresponsible with money (57.9%). The weakest expression however, is that gamblers are likely to be of low socio-economic status (39.8%).

Self-Stigmatisation of Gambling

• 78.9% of gamblers experience some form of self-stigmatisation. The top 3 that are experienced is feeling (1) disappointed in yourself, 35.5% (2) guilty, 27.8%, and (3) that you lack willpower/self-control, 27%;

1). On average, Problem gamblers experience more self-stigmatisation, followed by Moderate-risk gamblers. Problem gamblers are more likely to feel ashamed, that they lack willpower/self-control, a loss of identity or feel like a different person, undeserving of good things, and socially unacceptable/an outcast;

2). On average, Indian and Filipinos are likely to experience more self-stigmatisation. Indians are more likely to feel socially unacceptable/an outcast, whilst Filipinos are more likely to feel guilt and embarrassment. Koreans are more likely to feel weak, disappointed in oneself, and ashamed;

3). On average, those who are younger (18-29 years) tend to experience more self-stigmatisation compared to those who are older (65+ years);

Channels for Seeking Gambling Support

• When it comes to seeking help for gambling problems, the top 3 sources Asians turn to are (1) family or friends, 51.3% (2) self-help strategies, 34.9%, and (3) face-to-face support groups, 27.8%. The traditional channels offered by Asian Family Services ranks 4th and 5th respectively, sitting at just under 30%;

1). On average, Indians would use slightly more channels to deal with gambling problems. Specifically, they are more likely to opt for face-to-face support groups, or a residential treatment program. In contrast, Chinese are more likely to opt for self-help strategies and Koreans are more likely to opt for a gambling telephone line;

2). On average, those aged 65+ are likely to use the most channels. In particular, they are more likely to opt for family or friends, a face-to-face specialist gambling counsellor, and a residential treatment program;

Perceived Barriers for Seeking Gambling Support

• As a whole, stigma-related barriers make up two-thirds (67.3%) of all barriers to seeking gambling support. At an individual level also, stigma-related barriers all fall within the top 7 barriers, which again points to its significance in preventing people from seeking help;

1). Overall, Problem gamblers have the lowest proportion of stigma association. Interestingly however, they are more likely to say “insufficient social and financial resource to support treatment entry” is the key barrier to seeking gambling support. This highlights the significant role Asian Family Services can play in supporting Problem gamblers (i.e., services are free to those who have been affected by gambling harm). Moderate-risk gamblers are more likely to have “lack of awareness regarding the severity of problems” as a barrier, whilst Low-risk gamblers are more likely to excuse themselves from “the problem has not triggered health concerns.”

2). Across the different ethnic groups, Indians are more likely to have insufficient social and financial resources to support treatment entry as a key barrier to seeking support. With Asian Family Services’ free services, the organisation is well placed to offer support. In contrast, the barriers for Koreans are more likely to be around awareness/knowledge of services, and feelings of shame, pride or loss of face;

3). Across age, those 65+ have more barriers for seeking gambling support.