Problem gambling is becoming a major problem among adults in New Zealand, and local welfare groups and government initiatives have launched programs to deal with the issue. However, it is feared that changes to lottery services in local grocery stores will undo this work by encouraging players to gamble more. The supermarket Countdown will no longer have different counters for its lottery outlets and grocery checkouts.
As such, patrons will be able to purchase their lottery tickets directly from the cashier. It is predicted that the new service will increase lottery sales. Grocery shoppers will now be face-to-face with the option of purchasing lottery tickets every time they check out. There is no longer the option of bypassing the lottery counter, encouraging players to make more impulse lottery purchases.
This is particularly harmful to problem gamblers. Compulsive players may be making an active effort to stop playing the lottery, but they will be confronted with ticket machines and scratchcards whenever they pay for their groceries at Countdown. The new lottery retail service had other harmful implications.
In addition to encourage players to spend more money on the lottery, it also communicates a dangerous message to young people. Children who shop with their parents will see them purchase lottery tickets while they pay for their groceries. According to the Problem Gambling Foundation, it will tell them that playing the lottery is an everyday activity that is the same as buying milk and eggs.
As such, it will normalize gambling among underage individuals. Lotto New Zealand has defended the move, stating that it is harmless. According to Emilia Mazur, Head of Corporate Communications, “it's safe, it's fun gambling, it's fun to win, it gives money back to the communities".
There is certainly going to be a heated debate on the topic. We are interested to see whether problem gambling advocates will launch a campaign against the new service.
About the Author
