The Problem Gambling Foundation is worried about a drive by the Lotteries Commission to boost sales after Kiwis spent a record $926 million on its games in the last financial year.
The annual report for the commission says a year of Lotto jackpots and changes to Instant Kiwi helped it record a profit of $183.3m, up more than 15 percent on the previous year. All of its profits go to the NZ Lottery Grants Board to be distributed to the community.
The year to July saw Kiwis splurge $925.9 million on Lotto, Instant Kiwi and Keno. Lotto sales were up 20.8 percent, $110.9m ahead of budget, Instant Kiwi rose 27.1 percent while Big Wednesday sales were down by $6.4 million.
Commission chairwoman Judith Kirk and chief executive Todd McLeay said in their overview it was looking for more growth in this financial year.
"We now look to the future with a specific strategic objective - to encourage more people to play our games more often," they said.
But PGF chief executive Graeme Ramsey questioned the approach.
"I certainly think that in very tough economic times, which look set to continue, the mission of Lotteries to continue to grow gambling does not appear appropriate for a state-owned enterprise," he told the New Zealand Herald.
He urged the commission to rethink the size of some its jackpots saying when it got over $12.5m it drove a dramatic increase in sales.
The commission said it was mindful of the potential for gambling to cause problems but was pleased to note a year-on-year decline in problem gamblers citing its products.
NZN