Research reports

Enhancing support provided for family members and affected others (FAOs) in New Zealand gambling services: Review of evidence for effective service design and delivery

Palmer du Preez, K., Lowe, G., Mauchline, L.R., Janicot, S., Henry, N., Garrett, N., & Landon, J. (2020). Enhancing support for family and affected others in New Zealand gambling services: An exploratory mixed methods study [Download report]

This study aimed to understand how support provided for family members and affected others (FAOs) in New Zealand gambling services could be enhanced. It included a critical review of national and international literature, in combination with a Delphi study of expert opinion, as well as a national and international review of services for FAOs.

Effectiveness of problem gambling interventions in a service setting: A pragmatic randomised clinical trial

• Bellringer, M.E., Palmer du Preez, K., Vandal, A.C., Janicot, S., Ikeda, T., Hodgins, D.C., Battersby, M., van Kessel, K., Sullivan S., Riley, B., Te Ao, B., Henry, N., Mauchline, L., & Landon, J. (2021). Effectiveness of face-to-face gambling interventions: A randomised controlled trial. [Download report]
• Bellringer, M.E., Palmer du Preez, K., Vandal, A.C., Henry, N., Mauchline, L., Hodgins, D.C., Battersby, M., & Landon, J. (2022). Effectiveness of face-to-face gambling interventions: Two-years later. [Download report]

This clinical trial took place in a real-world treatment setting and was a collaboration between researchers in the AUT Gambling and Addictions Research Centre, Flinders University, Australia and the University of Calgary, Canada.  It examined the effectiveness two common treatment approaches, with and without added text message support, for people who contacted The Salvation Army Oasis Centres for help with their own gambling. The sustainability of treatment effects was measured after one and two years. The two treatments trialled were:

1. Motivational Interviewing plus workbook plus follow-up motivational telephone support
2. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy plus Exposure Therapy

Effectiveness study of problem gambling standard and brief interventions

• Abbott, M., Bellringer, M., Vandal, A., Hodgins, D., Palmer du Preez, K., Landon, J., Sullivan, S., & Feigin, V. (2012).  Effectiveness of problem gambling brief telephone interventions: A randomised controlled trial. [Download report] [Download simple summary].

This research project evaluated the effectiveness of a well developed and documented brief telephone intervention for problem gambling, and extensions of it.  It moved evaluation from efficacy testing with volunteers to an assessment of effectiveness with problem gamblers who sought help.  Participants were followed for 12 months following intervention to assess treatment outcome.

Participants were also re-interviewed three years after receiving their telephone intervention.
[Download report] [Download simple summary]

The Statistical Analysis Plan is available here.

Effectiveness of problem gambling brief telephone interventions: An uncontrolled outcome study

• Abbott, M., Bellringer, M., Garrett, N., Vandal, A., Hodgins, D., Palmer du Preez, K., Landon, J., & Sullivan, S. (2013). Effectiveness of problem gambling brief telephone interventions: An uncontrolled outcome study. [Download report] [Download simple summary].

The main aim of this study was to find out if there are differences in client outcomes between those who only access Gambling Helpline telephone care and those who access additional professional counselling or therapy services after the initial telephone contact.  This study is associated with the study Effectiveness study of problem gambling standard and brief interventions detailed above.

Participants were also re-interviewed three years after receiving their Gambling Helpline telephone care.
[Download report] [Download simple summary]

Barriers to help-seeking behaviours for problem gamblers and their family/whanau

• Bellringer, M., Pulford, J., Abbott, M., DeSouza, R., & Clarke, D. (2008). Problem gambling - Barriers to help seeking behaviours. [Download report]

Most people with gambling problems do not seek specialist help. Most of those who want to change their behaviour prefer to cope with their problems by themselves and/or by accessing self-help materials, family, informal networks or mutual help groups. Of those who seek specialist help many approach health services other than specialist problem gambling counselling providers. The major focus of this study was on the experiences of Maori, Pacific, Asian and European/Pakeha cultural groups, and of different genders, as they related to treatment service relevance and accessibility in New Zealand. [Download brief summary]

An evaluation of the Partners for Change Outcome Management System (PCOMS) in a gambling treatment setting

• Bellringer, M.E, Kolandai-Matchett, K., Janicot, S., Michie, E., Garrett, N., van Kessel, K., & Abbott, M. (2019).  Evaluation of the Partners for Change Outcomes Management System (PCOMS) in a gambling treatment setting. [Download report]

The research was an exploratory mixed methods evaluation of the Partners for Change Outcome Management System’s (PCOMS) use and potential within a national gambling treatment service in New Zealand.  PCOMS is a system for collecting and using client feedback on their counselling experiences to improve outcomes by engaging with the client feedback.

Evaluation and clinical audit of problem gambling intervention and public health services

• Kolandai-Matchett, K., Landon, J., Bellringer, M., Garrett, N., Mundy-McPherson, S., Abbott, M., Haapu, B., & Cumming, S. (2015). Evaluation and clinical audit of problem gambling intervention and public health services. [Download report] [Download simple summary]
• Kolandai-Matchett, K., Bellringer, M., Landon, J., Mundy-McPherson, S., Abbott, M., & Bailey, M. (2015). Evaluation of problem gambling interventions and public health services: A review of literature. [Download report]
• Kolandai-Matchett, K., Bellringer, M., Landon, J., & Abbott, M. (2015). Evaluation of problem gambling public health services: An analysis of provider progress reports. [Download report]

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has implemented an integrated problem gambling public health strategy that includes psychosocial intervention services and primary prevention public health services contracted to providers located throughout New Zealand.  This study evaluated the effectiveness of these services.

Evaluation of problem gambling intervention services

• Bellringer, M., Coombes, R., Garrett, N., Nahi, P., Pulford, J., & Abbott, M. (2009). Evaluation of problem gambling intervention services.  Stages one and two report. [Download report]
• Bellringer, M., Coombes, R., Pulford, J., Garrett, N., & Abbott, M. (2010). Evaluation of problem gambling intervention services.  Stage three report. [Download report]
• Bellringer, M., Coombes, R., Pulford, J., Garrett, N., & Abbott, M. (2010). Evaluation of problem gambling intervention services.  Stage three report. [Download report]

This research project was an evaluation of current Ministry of Health funded problem gambling intervention services in New Zealand, with the principal aim to evaluate problem gambling service delivery (including some ethnic-specific services) including process and outcome evaluation.

Problem Gambling Assessment and Screening Instruments

• Bellringer, M., Abbott, M., Volberg, R., Garrett, N., & Coombes, R. (2008). Problem gambling assessment and screening instruments.  Phase one report. [Download report]
• Bellringer, M., Abbott, M., Coombes, R., Garrett, N., & Volberg, R. (2008). Problem gambling assessment and screening instruments.  Phase two report. [Download report]

Screening/assessment instruments currently utilised by problem gambling service providers in New Zealand have been criticised by the users. This project assessed the screening/assessment instruments currently utilised and ascertained what service providers would find most useful. Recommended screening/assessment instruments for the New Zealand context were trialled in a second phase of the project. [Download brief summary]

Investigation into the effects of gambling game characteristics, PIDs and pop-up technology on gambling and problem gambling behaviour in New Zealand

• Palmer du Preez, K., Landon, J., Garrett, N., Bellringer, M., Page, A., Coomarasamy, C., & Abbott, M. (2014). Investigation into the effects of gambling game characteristics, PIDs and pop-up technology on gambling and problem gambling behaviour in New Zealand.[Download report] [Download simple summary]

This research project investigated the effects of game characteristics, Player Information Displays and pop-up technology on players' gambling and problem gambling behaviour.  It also aimed to understand the relationships between game characteristics (casino table games and electronic gaming machines).

Literature search on lotteries products and related information

• Bellringer, M., & Abbott, M. (2008). Lotteries literature review. [Download report]

This literature review assessed existing research regarding lottery products and related information, identifed gaps in the research and developed recommendations for research within the New Zealand context. Its focus included general lottery products, codes of practice and corporate social responsibility guidelines, educational programmes and materials.

Life course and legacy gambling harms in New Zealand

• Rockloff, M., Bellringer, M., Lowe, G., Armstrong, T., Browne, M., Palmer du Preez, K., Russell, A., Hing, N., & Greer, N. (2021). Life course and legacy gambling harms in New Zealand. [Download report]

This collaborative study between researchers at Central Queensland University (CQU), Australia and the AUT Gambling and Addictions Research Centre sought to investigate harms (e.g. financial, relationship, health, vocational and cultural wellbeing) that accrue to New Zealand gamblers and Concerned Significant Others (CSOs) across the life course, including the duration and severity of these harms.

Measuring the burden of gambling harm in New Zealand

• Browne, M., Bellringer, M., Greer, N., Kolandai-Matchett, K., Rawat, V., Langham, E., Rockloff, M., Palmer du Preez, K., & Abbott, M. (2017). Measuring the burden of gambling harm in New Zealand. [Download report] [Download simple summary]

This study, which was a collaboration between researchers from Central Queensland University (CQU), Australia and the Gambling and Addictions Research Centre, sought to systematically investigate gambling-related harm in New Zealand, and assess the aggregate ‘Burden of Harm’ caused by gambling with reference to different levels of problem gambling, and other comparable conditions.  This improved understanding of the quality and quantity of harm will help to better target efforts to prevent or reduce the potential negative consequences of problematic gambling.

Social impacts of gambling machines and TAB gambling in Auckland

• Thorne, H., Bellringer, M., Abbott, M., & Landon, J. (2012). Brief literature review to summarise the social impacts of gaming machines and TAB gambling in Auckland. [Download report]

This brief literature review was commissioned by Auckland City Council and summarised the social impacts of gambling machines and TAB gambling in Auckland.  The purpose of the review was to inform the development of Auckland City Council's policy for Class 4 and TAB gambling venues.

Formative investigation of the links between gambling (including problem gambling) and crime in New Zealand

• Bellringer, M., Coombes, R., Pulford, J., & Abbott, M. (2010). Formative investigation into the links between gambling (including problem gambling) and crime in New Zealand. [Download report]

This research project was a joint venture between the Gambling and Addictions Research Centre at Auckland University of Technology and the Centre for Gambling Studies at the University of Auckland. It was a formative study with the aim of contributing to the understanding of the links between problem gambling and crime, in particular unreported and unprosecuted crime and the nature of the resulting harms experienced at an individual, family and community level. [Download brief summary]

A mixed methods analysis of gambling harm for women in New Zealand

• Palmer du Preez, K., Mauchline, L., Paavonen, A., Thurlow, R., Garrett, N., Bellringer, M.E., Landon, J., & Abbott, M. (2019). A mixed methods analysis of gambling harm for women in New Zealand. [Download report]

This research identified and explored the context, issues and factors influencing gambling practices and gambling harm for women in New Zealand. The aim was to identify promising avenues for policy and practice to reduce gambling harm for women, and to identify areas where further research is needed.

Formative investigation into the effectiveness of gambling venue exclusion processes in New Zealand

• Bellringer, M., Coombes, R., Pulford, J., & Abbott, M. (2010). Formative investigation into the effectiveness of gambling venue exclusion processes in New Zealand. [Download report]

This research project was a pilot investigation into the effectiveness of gambling venue exclusion processes in New Zealand. Under the Gambling Act 2003 operators of casinos and gaming machine venues must issue exclusion orders to self-identified problem gamblers as well as problem gamblers that are identified by personnel at the gambling venue. However, the effectiveness of these measures in reducing gambling harm has not been evaluated.

Offshore gambling by New Zealanders study

• Bellringer, M., Garrett, N., Kolandai-Matchett, K., & Abbott, M. (2015). Offshore gambling by New Zealanders study. [Download report] [Download simple summary]

This study analysed the New Zealand National Gambling Study offshore and online/remote interactive gambling data over three years (2012, 2013 and 2014) in order to understand the prevalence of offshore gambling and associated expenditure, and to identify differences in risk factors between offshore gambling (including online gambling) and local gambling (in venue and online). The study has a greater emphasis on track betting and sports betting.

Pacific Islands Families Study

• Bellringer, M.E., Vorster, A., Garrett, N., & Tautolo, E-S. (2024). Pacific Islands Families Study: Young adult gambling behaviours and associated risk factors. [Download report]
• Bellringer, M.E., Prah, P., Iusitini, L., & Abbott, M. (2019). Gambling behaviours and associated risk factors for 17 year old Pacific youth. [Download report]
• Bellringer, M., Kolandai-Matchett, K., Taylor, S., & Abbott, M. (2017). Pacific Islands Families Study 2014: Mother and youth gambling. [Download report] [Download lay summary]
• Bellringer, M., Taylor, S., Poon, Z., Abbott, M., & Paterson, J. (2012). Pacific Islands Families Studies 2009:  Mother and child gambling. [Download report]
• Bellringer, M., Abbott, M., Williams, M., & Gao, W. (2008). Problem gambling - Pacific Islands families longitudinal study. [Download report]

The Pacific Islands Families (PIF) study has followed a cohort of Pacific people who were born in Middlemore Hospital, Auckland, in the year 2000. The purpose of this longitudinal study was to determine the pathways leading to optimal health, development, and social outcomes for Pacific children and their families, and to understand how early life experiences and choices can affect later adult health and behaviours. The AUT Pacific Health Research Centre is leading this project. In 2006, 2009, 2014, 2017 and 2022, gambling questions were added to the study questionnaire. Data were obtained from mothers and fathers in 2006, mothers and children in 2009 and 2014, youth in 2017, and young adults in 2022. The Ministry of Health funded the substantial gambling element in each year.

Exploration of the impact of gambling and problem gambling on Pacific families and communities in New Zealand

• Bellringer, M., Fa'amatuainu, B., Taylor, S., Coombes, R., Poon, Z., & Abbott, M. (2013). Exploration of the impact of gambling and problem gambling on Pacific families and communities in New Zealand. [Download report] [Download simple summary].

This research project aimed to improve understanding of the impact of gambling on the health and well-being of Pacific families and communities.  It also aimed to inform understanding on rick and resiliency factors in relation to gambling, and to improve understanding on the antecedents and aetiology of problem gambling.

Family violence in problem gambling help-seeking populations

• Bellringer, M., Palmer du Preez, K., Pearson, J., Garrett, N., Koziol-McLain, J., Wilson, D., & Abbott, M. (2016). Problem gambling and family violence in help-seeking populations: Co-occurrence, impact and coping. [Download report] [Download simple summary]

The purpose of the research was to identify the level of family/whānau violence and abuse in people seeking help for problem gambling, and to increase our understanding of these issues.  A wide definition of family/whānau violence was used, which included physical violence and coercive control (most often thought of as violence), as well as psychological and emotional abuse (more often thought of as conflict), and sexual abuse.