Perspectives from gambling expert stakeholders in relation to electronic gaming machines in New Zealand

Electronic gaming machines (EGMs) are one of the most addictive and harmful forms of gambling. Gaming machine characteristics, easy accessibility of EGMs and normalisation of gambling behaviour have exacerbated these effects. We conducted a pilot study investigating the perspectives of gambling expert stakeholders on gambling harm and effective harm-minimisation policies regarding EGMs. In-depth individual interviews were undertaken with 14 health professionals working in the addiction sector, academics in the field of gambling and individuals from a range of government and non-government organisations who have an impact on gambling policy making in New Zealand. Five major themes were identified: the need to shift focus from problematic people to the problematic product, the need for a holistic approach to gambling intervention, focus on creating an empowered population, and improving protective factors and refining public health initiatives to gambling harm. The results suggest the need to challenge current narratives of EGM-related gambling harm and have wide-ranging implications for EGM harm minimisation and health promotion policies.