It is a well-known fact that New Zealand has a burgeoning gambling market. Thanks to pokies and other electronic gaming devices, a vast portion of the population takes place in gambling activities every year. While the activity is incredibly popular throughout the country, few studies have been conducted which truly examine gambling behaviour and statistics. Recently, a new study has shed light on the issue, delving into demographics in the country's gambling market.
A study titled "New Zealand's Participation in Gambling" was recently published by the Health Sponsorship Council. The research aimed to obtain more information on the risk of developing gambling problems and overall frequency of participation by New Zealand citizens.
According to the study, most New Zealanders take part in high-risk forms of gambling less frequently. Less than 20% of participants admitted to playing pokies in a club over the course of a 12 month period. 10% played pokies in casinos while just 3% played table games at casinos. These statistics confirm that pokies continue to be the preferred activity of players in New Zealand, illustrating that club pokies are still more popular than casino pokies.
Lottery and scratch cards are more frequent forms of gambling among residents, as 60% of individuals take part in these activities. The study also found that older individuals are more likely to take part in these activities than their younger counterparts. 72% of those over the age of 45 take part in lottery activities while just 38% of 18- to 24-year-olds play lottery games.
A surprising finding uncovered by the study is that women seem to be more likely than men to take part in gambling activities. Women outnumbered men in a wide range of activities, including the lottery, instant Kiwi and raffles. However, men were more likely to take part in casual wagers with friends, casino table games and sports betting. Both groups presented similar statistics for bingo games and New Zealand online casino games.
The number of individuals who refrain from gambling activities is also quite interesting. 20% of men do not gamble, compared to just 18% of women. The age group 18 - 24 is the least likely take part in gambling, despite casino operators' efforts to draw in a younger crowd. As such, individuals over the age of 45 are the most likely to gamble. When it comes to ethnicities, Asians are the least likely to gamble (with 38% refraining from the activity) while those of Maori descent are most likely to take part in gambling activities (80%).
- Mitchell Hughes, New Zealand Gaming Specialist
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