New Zealand’s Gamble Free Day took place on September 1, but many communities across the country have carried on the event throughout the rest of the month. On September 20, the Salvation Army will be hosting Papakura Whanau Day, which will promote safe gambling among the local community. According to the Salvation Army, Papakura has one of the highest concentrations of poker machines in Auckland.
There is one machine per 163 adults in the city, which is well above the national average and rates in other cities. With such a high number of pokies, it is important for residents to be well aware of responsible gambling measures in order to ensure that they don’t fall victim to problem gambling. Over the course of the past few years, laws have been enacted to prevent new gambling venues from opening up in the community.
Thus far, the new laws have helped to slightly reduce problem gambling rates, and the Salvation Army is taking things one step further with community events like Papakura Whanau Day. “It’s all about offering our services and ideas for people to do things other than gambling and to do things with their family”, says Christchurch Programme coordinator Tony Foster.
In addition to providing information about problem gambling services, the event also promotes other fun activities that are alternatives to gambling. It shows attendees that there are plenty of fun family activities available that are not potentially addictive. Such events are quite successful in curbing problem gambling rates because they assume a more positive approach.
They show residents what they can do instead of gambling rather than saying that they shouldn’t gamble. The event will take place at Papakura Marae, and there will be plenty of fun activities to take part in that all members of the family can enjoy.
About the Author
