Problem Gambling Foundation

Healthy communities free from gambling harm

The Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF) is a national non-profit organisation predominantly funded by the Ministry of Health with funds received from the gambling levy.

The Foundation is committed to health promotion that contributes to safer gambling practices through community education and the development of regulations and standards. Counselling is free of charge to the gambler, their family and others affected by problem gambling.

Problem Gambling Foundation - Latest News [Page 6]

$5 million dollar cash dump

Thursday, 27 August 2009, 3:06 pm | Problem Gambling Foundation

On Gamble-Free Day, 1 September, AUT students will dump $5 million underneath the Sky Tower to demonstrate how much money is lost every day through gambling. At 12noon, bags of fake notes will be emptied at the entrance of SkyCity and the ‘money’ ... More >>

Christchurch keeps “sinking lid” pokie moratorium

Thursday, 27 August 2009, 1:39 pm | Problem Gambling Foundation

The Christchurch City Council today voted to keep its “sinking-lid” pokie venue moratorium recognising the harm that pokies can do to individuals, families and communities. More >>

Restaurants support Gamble-Free Day

Monday, 24 August 2009, 3:42 pm | Problem Gambling Foundation

Over 190 restaurants around New Zealand are offering a discount for diners in support of the Problem Gambling Foundation’s Gamble-Free Day campaign on the 1st September. More >>

Happy Meals on Gamble Free Day

Friday, 21 August 2009, 2:51 pm | Problem Gambling Foundation

The Problem Gambling Foundation is helping you celebrate Gamble Free Day this year by offering a 10% discount when you dine out at participating restaurants. More >>

Gamble-Free Day festival to be held in Papakura

Friday, 21 August 2009, 2:18 pm | Problem Gambling Foundation

Papakura’s first ever Gamble-Free Day event will be held on Tuesday 1 September to raise awareness of problem gambling in the community. The community event being held at the Town Centre stage, Farmers Corner from 10am until 2pm includes free food, ... More >>

Eureka to stop pokie grants to horse racing

Tuesday, 28 July 2009, 10:00 am | Problem Gambling Foundation

The Eureka Trust has resolved to stop giving pokie money to horse racing stakes or promotion. Eureka has made a number of substantial donations to horse racing over the past few years which the Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) believes was in direct ... More >>

A racing industry without pokie money?

Monday, 29 June 2009, 3:16 pm | Problem Gambling Foundation

It is hard to believe the racing industry’s viability would be threatened without pokie money says David Coom, Communications Director at the Problem Gambling Foundation. More >>

Record Lotteries Jackpot – a losing ticket.

Thursday, 11 June 2009, 5:28 pm | Problem Gambling Foundation

Record jackpots are an insidious way of sucking people into gambling who can barely afford it says the Problem Gambling Foundation. The Big Wednesday lotto jackpot has reached a New Zealand record of $25.7 million and could go as high as $30 million. ... More >>

Gambling and Crime – is it on the increase?

Tuesday, 9 June 2009, 4:55 pm | Problem Gambling Foundation

There is the mother in Whangarei who stole $8900 after using pokie machines, the Real Estate agent in Wellington who stole $66,000 to fuel his gambling problem, and the ongoing saga of the ex rugby players caught up in fraud related to a pokie charity. ... More >>

Pokie spend drops - a reason to cheer?

Thursday, 23 April 2009, 9:49 am | Problem Gambling Foundation

Pokie spending dropped nearly 10% for the first quarter of this year according to the Department of Internal Affairs. More >>

It's Auckland Cranes & The Caged Alastair Galpin

Friday, 3 April 2009, 9:15 am | Problem Gambling Foundation

It's Auckland Cranes & The Caged Alastair Galpin Supported by The Problem Gambling Foundation Rainbow's End Theme Park Auckland Cranes Alastair Galpin - who has been obsessed with breaking world records for six years, from the senseless to the noble ... More >>

The real cost of playing the pokies

Wednesday, 11 March 2009, 3:30 pm | Problem Gambling Foundation

...Press Release... 11/03/09 The real cost of playing the pokies: The hidden costs. No one can afford to throw away money, but if you play the pokies you will inevitably lose. The machine decides whether you win or lose. You can't do anything ... More >>

10,000 involved in gambling related crime

Friday, 20 February 2009, 12:28 pm | Problem Gambling Foundation

About 10,000 New Zealanders committed gambling related crimes last year, according to new Ministry of Health funded research. More >>

KPMG study: gambling major driver of fraud

Wednesday, 18 February 2009, 2:59 pm | Problem Gambling Foundation

Gambling is the major driver of fraud in Australasia says the latest KPMG study. The total value of fraud reported was $301.1 million and "gambling was the most common motivator", says KPMG's eighth biennial Fraud Survey. More >>

Pokies - 70,000 New Zealanders Suffering

Monday, 22 December 2008, 1:06 pm | Problem Gambling Foundation

More than 70,000 New Zealanders would be suffering mental health issues due to their own gambling or a relative's, and pokie machines are the most damaging form of gambling, new research from Massey University estimates. More >>

Happy holidays = don't bet on it

Monday, 15 December 2008, 11:27 am | Problem Gambling Foundation

"Staying away from all forms of gambling this year is the best policy for a happy Christmas", says David Coom of the Problem Gambling Foundation "Times are especially tough this Christmas, and some people think that a quick flutter or a bet is the ... More >>

Problem Gambling Foundation