The aim of this project was to carry out a formative investigation of the link between gambling (including problem gambling) and crime in New Zealand. Problem gambling has been linked with a range of crimes and the purpose of this project is to develop a better understanding of the nature of these links with particular reference to unreported crime, and the nature of the resulting harms experienced by individuals, families/whānau, and communities in New Zealand. This project will be informative for service and policy development, the direction of research, and the development of methodologies for monitoring gambling harm in New Zealand.
Purpose
In November 2006, the Gambling and Addictions Research Centre at Auckland University of Technology, in collaboration with the Centre for Gambling Studies at the University of Auckland, was commissioned by the Ministry of Health to conduct the research project Problem gambling - Formative investigation of the links between gambling (including problem gambling) and crime in New Zealand. The purpose of this project was to develop a better understanding of the nature of the links between gambling and crime, with particular reference to unreported crime and the nature of the resulting harms experienced by individuals, families/whanau and communities.
Methodology
An international and national literature review relating to gambling-related crime was conducted. There was emphasis on New Zealand studies including a focus on cultural aspects.
Semi-structured focus groups were conducted and a Maori hui held (which followed the focus group format) with key stakeholders including gambling treatment providers, gambling industry providers, health service providers, and community groups and services. The purpose of the focus groups/hui was to elicit views on gambling and crime, and possible causal linkages.
The information obtained from the literature review and focus groups/hui was used to design the questionnaires for gamblers and significant others of gamblers. The questionnaires covered gambling behaviours, criminal and harmful behaviours, environment and general health, impacts and harms and a problem gambling screen. Gamblers were asked about themselves; significant others were asked about the gambler they related to plus some questions relating to themselves. The questionnaires were cognitively tested prior to use to identify any issues with wording and/or language.
Structured face-to-face interviews (to administer the questionnaires) were conducted with 33 gamblers and seven significant others. Participants either self-selected into the study in response to advertisements or networks, or were recruited via a problem gambling counselling service. Inclusion criteria were that participants had either to be a gambler (not necessarily a problem gambler) who had also committed crime (not necessarily related to gambling) or a significant other of a gambler who had committed crime. The exclusion criterion for all participants was where the gambler had not committed any criminal behaviour.