Host responsibility for pokies in pubs and clubs: Results from the 2018 Health and Lifestyles Survey

In New Zealand, under the Gambling Act 2003, pubs and clubs with pokie machines are required to prevent their customers’ gambling from becoming harmful. This includes venues having staff who are trained in gambling host responsibility practices present while pokie machines are running. Venues are also required to provide information to gamblers about problem gambling and details of where to seek support.

This short report presents key findings from the 2018 Health and Lifestyles Survey concerning participation in pokie machine gambling at pubs and clubs, levels of gambling harm experienced by these pokie players, players expenditure, knowledge of pub and club host responsibilities and players interactions with staff.