Needs and gaps analysis: Problem gambling interventions among New Zealand Asian peoples

Abstract

Asian peoples are the fastest growing population in New Zealand. This study was conducted to increase the understanding of Asian problem gambling and identify gaps in intervention services. 52 people from 4 major cities in New Zealand participated. Data were collected either through telephone interview, filling in the written survey or face-to-face interaction. The results indicate that Asian peoples in New Zealand who gamble are gambling at casinos and that the most vulnerable groups are international students, restaurant owners and workers, and tourist operators. The impacts of problem gambling on Asian peoples include declines in work productivity or study performance, decreased quality of health, emotional and financial stress on families both in New Zealand and overseas. The report concludes with a discussion of the needs and gaps that the current health system of New Zealand faces and makes a series of recommendations in the area of public health interventions and counseling services that can be used for policy makers in order to meet the complex and multiple needs of Asian peoples. © 2006 Springer Verlag.