Second-hand gambling harm and concern about gambling within the community: Results from the 2018 Health and Lifestyles Survey

Around 6% of New Zealand adults have experienced gambling harm from their own gambling. It is estimated that New Zealanders have lost more than $2 billion since 2012 to gambling-related activities. The impact of someone's gambling can be felt by those that live in the same household or their wider family and community. Gambling losses can lead to arguments about money or families having to go without things they need, which is referred to as ‘second-hand’ gambling harm in this report.  

This short report presents key findings from the 2018 Health and Lifestyles Survey (HLS) concerning respondents’ experiences of second-hand gambling harm for themselves or for others close to them and their concern about the level of gambling within their communities.