Gambling venues across Australia and New Zealand have a responsibility to keep players safe from gambling harm. Staff members and managers are supposed to keep out an eye for problem gambling behaviour, but a new study by New Zealand’s Department of Internal Affairs has found that most venues are neglecting their responsibilities.
This week, the Department of Internal Affairs revealed the results of its ‘mystery shopper’ study at pubs and clubs across the country. The study found that the majority of gaming venues do not look out for compulsive gambling behaviour, which does nothing to decrease problem gambling rates in New Zealand. The Department of Internal Affairs recruited several actors to visit pubs and clubs as ‘mystery gamblers’.
They gambled at 102 pubs across the country, representing 10% of the venues in New Zealand. The actors were sent to gamble for two hours and they exhibited signs of risk, such as agitation. They were instructed to withdraw cash on three separate occasions, and on their third withdrawal to say one of the following lines: “I can’t really afford it but I think I’m getting close to a win” “I need to go but I need to win some money back”
“I’m meant to get home to the kids but a few more minutes won’t hurt” After the actors said these scripted lines, staff members were supposed to offer assistance. Whether it was suggesting a break or providing information about problem gambling support, the staff was supposed to take some kind of action. However, assistance was only offered in one case.
This means that 99% of the scenarios took place without help being provided to the problem gambler. "To be honest we were somewhat surprised at the extent of the issue that we have now uncovered," Maarten Quivooy from Internal Affairs said in an interview with ONE News. “I think is really concerning.
We'll now be working with them and watching really closely to make sure they step up to the plate."
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