Lotto and Instant Kiwi scratchies are the most popular gambling activity, according to a study.
The study released last week by the Department of Internal Affairs showed few people reported using gaming machines or betting on racing.
The 2005 survey found 66% of respondents had played Lotto in the past year. The figure was down from 75% in 2000. The number of people using scratcher was also down at 41% in 2005 from 48% in 2000.
Nineteen percent said they had used non-casino gaming machines (pokies). Fourteen percent had bet on horse and dog races, 10% casino gaming machines and 4% TAB sports betting and casino table games.
The study showed Maori played non-casino gaming machines more than any other ethnic group, for longer sessions and spent more.
While the average annual amount spent in casinos was down by 9%, the amount for Pacific Islanders was almost doubled, was up 63% for Maori and 7% for Asians.
Men were more likely to play non casino gaming machines than women.
More people, 90%, believed heavy gambling was a problem in 2005 than in 2000, 87%, or 1985, 66%. - NZPA
