Addressing Problem Gambling Among Chinese Migrants in Auckland

This report examines the issue of problem gambling among Chinese migrants in New Zealand, focusing primarily on the Auckland region. It highlights the significant health concerns associated with this addiction, including psychological distress, social relationship breakdowns, increased prevalence of mental illness, and emotional vulnerability leading to substance abuse and criminal involvement. The report identifies gaps in current healthcare services, such as discrimination, lack of cultural competence among providers, and insufficient health education for the Chinese migrant population. It then discusses initiatives like the Asian Family Services program, which aims to improve access to culturally competent care and counseling, and uphold the welfare of Chinese immigrants. The report concludes by emphasizing the importance of prioritizing such services to enhance healthcare equity for this marginalized population, enabling them to seek help without fear of discrimination. The report utilizes data from Statistics New Zealand and other relevant sources.

Running Head: PROBLEM GAMBLING AMONG CHINESE MIGRANTS 1
Problem Gambling Among Chinese Migrants
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Problem Gambling Among Chinese Migrants
Introduction of the Selected Asian Group
This discussion focuses on Chinese migrants in New Zealand. It is believed that
most of these Chinese immigrants arrived from Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan
starting 1860s during the gold rush era. Currently, the population of Chinese immigrants in
New Zealand is estimated at 4.3% and represents the largest group of Asians in the country
(Statistics New Zealand, 2019). Over two-thirds of the Chinese immigrants are living in
Auckland Region with median age 30.6 years and a young population where most people are
between 15-29 years (Statistics New Zealand, 2019). Accordingly, census reports indicate
that Chinese New Zealanders majorly speak English and that they practice different religions
such as; Buddhism, Christianity, and Atheism.
Health Service Concerns
The main issue of concern here is problem gambling among Chinese immigrants in
Auckland. Problem gambling can be described as the irresistible urge to gamble continuously
despite the harmful consequences it causes to an individual or the attempts to stop the desires
(Sobrun-Maharaj, Rossen & Wong, 2013). Due to its addictive effects, problem gambling is
often diagnosed under clinical pathology and psychiatric care. In New Zealand, Chinese
immigrants have become victims of this addiction by continuously engaging in Lotto ticket,
pokie machines, casino, and online gambling. In effect, problem gambling has caused ill-
health concerns among Chinese immigrants evident through psychological distress (Sobrun-
Maharaj, Rossen & Wong, 2013). Secondly, problem gambling has affected social
relationships of Chinese immigrants hence causing disintegration of families. Thirdly,
addiction to gambling has influenced the prevalence of mental illness in Auckland due to

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anxiety and depression associated with this practice. Lastly, problem gambling causes
emotional weakness leading to vulnerability to substance abuse and involvement in crime.
Gaps in the Current Health Services
Chinese immigrants are facing challenges in addressing this health concern due to
the following gaps; firstly, the New Zealand system for primary healthcare does not support
Asians. As such, discriminations in the healthcare system has caused stigma among Chinese
immigrants (Zhang, Jeffrey & Barnett, 2013). Secondly, there is inadequate cultural
competence among healthcare providers. Therefore, Chinese immigrants who are affected by
problem gambling cannot find customized intervention care for their addiction problems.
Thirdly, there is insufficient healthcare education for Asians in New Zealand. This situation
has caused detachment of Chinese immigrants from seeking health services from government
hospitals and instead indulge in harmful gambling.
Initiatives for Addressing the Issue
Currently, there is a program called Asian Family Services which was incorporated
to promote accessibility and affordability of healthcare for Asian populations in New
Zealand. As a result, Chinese immigrants in Auckland are benefitting from this program
through the provision of culturally competent care and unbiased counselling (Zhang, Jeffrey
& Barnett, 2013). Asian Family services also upholds the welfare Chinese immigrants in
Auckland thereby helping them with intervention or psychiatric services.
Conclusion
While Chinese immigrants were initially suffering from problem gambling, the
establishment of Asian Family Services has introduced a healthcare system which favours
their population. Therefore, Chinese immigrants with gambling addictions or psychological
distress can confidently seek healthcare services under this program without any fear of

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discrimination. As such, Asian Family Services should be prioritized as a way of enhancing
equity in healthcare in Auckland because the marginalized population will be empowered.

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References
Sobrun-Maharaj, A., Rossen, F. V., & Wong, A. S. (2013). Negative impacts of gambling on
Asian families and communities in New Zealand. Asian Journal of Gambling Issues
and Public Health, 3(1), 14.
Statistics New Zealand. (2019). Immigrants Population. Retrieved from
https://www.stats.govt.nz/
Zhang, Q., Jeffrey, G. A. G. E., & Barnett, P. (2013). Health provider perspectives on mental
health service provision for Chinese people living in Christchurch, New Zealand.
Shanghai archives of psychiatry, 25(6), 375.