| Research has clearly identified that M ori have a much higher risk of developing gambling problems. It has also been reported that Mori spend on an average twice as much as do non Mori in spite of the fact that the median Mori income is considerably lower than that of non Mori.
Figures released by the Ministry of Health for 2006 (the latest currently available) graphically illustrate the situation when viewed against the 2006 Census result which showed 14% of the population identifying as Mori.
30% of new callers to the Gambling Helpline who admitted to having a gambling problem identified as being Mori.
Face to face gambling counselling services had similar figures with 32% of people seeking help for the first time identifying as being Mori.
Mori contacting the Gambling Helpline have presented with a variety of issues pertaining to their gambling however several factors have been common to many.
They grew up to view gambling as a normal part of life. When children they had seen their elders gamble, they though it was fun, what adults did. Many middle aged and older people have spoken of their introduction to gambling having come from housie and horse racing but now the problem was with the far more insidious pokie machines.
Since whanau often gambled it was very hard to get away from the source of their troubles. As a result the very people they needed support from were actually encouraging them to keep gambling. If they did abstain they felt alone, alienated.
Paradoxically others with whanau who did not gamble were so ashamed of their gambling that they felt unable to disclose the full extent of the problem and seek support from those closest to them. Very many of these people have been completely unwilling to consider a referral to a specialist Mori gambling service in case someone in that organisation knew them or their whanau.
Mori women have often spoken of the social aspect of gambling. They meet friends at the pokies and this together with the hope of a big win provides a temporary escape from what they feel is a boring depressing existence. However the happiness is short lived all too often followed by remorse and sometimes fear as they leave the pokies having lost money needed for food, rent or clothing.
“The pokies are everywhere” is a common complaint as people explain how hard it is to avoid the machines. Over the years the largest concentration of non casino gambling machines has been in the low socioeconomic areas, the very places which have higher than average Mori populations.
Sources of information on the effect of gambling on Mori include
Dyall L & Hand J. (2004) Mori and gambling : a comprehensive public health response required in New Zealand. International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, 1 (1): 1-15.
Dyall L. (2003) A Mâori face to gambling. PhD thesis. Auckland: University of Auckland.
Ministry of Health. (2007) Problem Gambling intervention services in New Zealand 2006. Wellington: MOH.
Morrison L. (2004) Pokie gambling and Mori women: Friend or foe? Journal of Gambling Studies, 12: 1-20.
Samson T et al (2005) Why people gamble. Final Report. Auckland: Uniservices. |
