10 Aug 2006
Online gambling news all over the web constantly report on governmental moves made around the world regarding the issue of online gambling. Some wish to abolish the whole online gambling industry and others, seem to think online gambling is actually good for the economy. Serious initiatives were taken with the purpose of making the online industry as safe as possible for online casino members and to monitor the industry.
One of those initiatives can be found in New Zealand, where Ministry of Health announced its search for submissions on its draft consultation document for preventing and minimizing gambling and online gambling harm over the year 2007-2010. While further evaluation and levy calculations are required, the document includes a service plan, which offers to fund intervention and public health services. These online gambling problems services include research and workforce development for the gambling and online gambling industry.
Chief executive of the Gambling Helpline, Krista Ferguson, says "We're at a stage where we need to increase our efforts to help problem gamblers and their significant others including family and what not as we are currently seeing only 12 percent of the problem". Ferguson added that the organization is pleased with Ministry of Health's outlook on gambling and online gambling and is looking forward for their collaboration. The consultation document regarding gambling online gambling will be reviewed by the Gambling Helpline in the coming months and intends to make a submission. Hopefully, this document and other methods of preventing problem gambling would be the next step toward a safe online gambling industry.
