The New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) is welcoming evidence that shows New Zealand's problem gambling intervention services are working well.
A recently released AUT study tracked 462 Gambling Helpline callers and found that, after a year, three-quarters of them had quit or significantly reduced their gambling.
NZCT chief executive, MikeKnell, said the study is good news for gamblers, their families and community organisations who benefit from pokie grants.
"The community gaming industry exists to fundraise for good causes. To be sustainable, and to continue helping New Zealand communities, it's essential we have effective problem gambling services which can support people who need help.
"Although New Zealand has one of the lowest problem gambling rates [0.3 per cent] in the world, we know this addiction can have serious consequences.
"Unfortunately, some people think that reducing the number of pokie machines in pubs will solve this problem, but it won't. All it will do is have a negative impact on the amount of grant funds available."