In June 2000 the New Zealand government announced that a national review of gaming would be conducted in response to increasing levels of gambling turnover, products, participation rates and problem gambling. The Department of Internal Affairs was given responsibility for managing the core review team who are to report to the Minister for Internal Affairs by June 2001.
The aim of this study is to provide independent information on the private and public costs and benefits of gaming (both social and economic) in New Zealand. This information will:
• assist the Department of Internal Affairs to assess the public and private impacts (both social and economic) of gaming in New Zealand;
• assist the Department of Internal Affairs to advise the Minister on a range of policy issues relating to the public and private impacts of gaming (both social and economic) in New Zealand; and
• assist in the development of gambling impact assessment policy as part of the New Zealand government’s overall approach to gaming.