Key Takeaways
- MyChoice is a new app that allows problem gamblers to self-exclude themselves from gaming rooms by scanning a QR code on their phones.
- The app aims to provide a private and dignified way for individuals to take control of their gambling habits.
- Participating venues will have a poster with a QR code that problem gamblers can scan to complete a self-exclusion form digitally and set an exclusion time period.
- The app complements the existing system for exclusions and sends information to the national exclusion database managed by the Salvation Army.
- The launch of MyChoice comes as the Government is set to auction 15 online casino licences in 2026, raising concerns about how self-exclusion will work across various forms of gambling.
Introduction to MyChoice
MyChoice is a new app designed to help problem gamblers self-exclude themselves from gaming rooms. The app allows individuals to scan a QR code on their phones, complete a self-exclusion form digitally, and set an exclusion time period. This process is intended to be a more private and dignified way for individuals to take control of their gambling habits, compared to the current system which requires individuals to fill out paperwork and speak to venue staff. The app is the result of a collaboration between the Grassroots Trust and the Lion Foundation, two organizations that are rivals in the Class 4 sector but share a commitment to harm minimisation.
The Need for MyChoice
The current system for self-exclusion is seen as "antiquated" and "clunky" by many, including Grassroots Trust executive chairman Martin Bradley and Jason Alexander, chief operating officer of Māori health organisation Hapai Te Hauora. The paper-based system can be daunting for individuals who are already struggling with problem gambling, and the lack of a centralised self-exclusion system can make it difficult for individuals to exclude themselves from all gaming venues. MyChoice aims to address these issues by providing a simple and private way for individuals to self-exclude themselves from gaming rooms.
The Impact of MyChoice
The launch of MyChoice comes at a critical time, as the Government is set to auction 15 online casino licences in 2026. This raises concerns about how self-exclusion will work across various forms of gambling, and the need for a centralised self-exclusion system that can track and enforce exclusions across all gaming venues. MyChoice has been developed with the capability to self-exclude from online casinos, and will give users the ability to do so once the online casinos are licensed. The app has the potential to make a significant impact in reducing problem gambling in New Zealand, particularly in Māori communities which have problem-gambling rates that are three to four times higher than non-Māori.
Criticism and Concerns
Not everyone is convinced that MyChoice is the solution to problem gambling. Colin Bridle, of Feed Families Not Pokies, believes that the app does not address the root cause of problem gambling, which is the presence of pokie machines in communities. He sees pokie machines as "blood money" that is destroying poorer communities in New Zealand. Andree Froude, of the Problem Gamblers Foundation, has also expressed concerns about the app, stating that she needs to understand how it works and ensure that people’s private information is safe before commenting on its effectiveness.
Future Plans for MyChoice
If the Hamilton pilot proves successful, Grassroots Trust and the Lion Foundation plan to roll out MyChoice nationally across all Class 4 societies and venues. The launch of MyChoice is seen as a timely intervention, given the upcoming auction of online casino licences and the need for a centralised self-exclusion system. The app has the potential to make a significant impact in reducing problem gambling in New Zealand, and its developers are committed to ensuring that it is effective and easy to use. As the gambling landscape in New Zealand continues to evolve, MyChoice is likely to play an increasingly important role in helping individuals to take control of their gambling habits and reducing the harm caused by problem gambling.