Gambling can be a fun way to spend your time, but for some people, it stops being fun – and can end up turning into something much darker. If you’ve found yourself struggling – whether that’s the amount of time you’re spending gambling, or the amount of money you’re losing – you’re not alone.
There’s real support available in New Zealand to help you turn things around, and on this page, we’re going to look at practical steps you can take right now, and share tools to help you limit your play.
The first step is being honest with yourself. Problem gambling doesn’t always look like the dramatic scenes you see in movies, and more often, it’s actually quite a gradual shift; this could look like your sessions taking long periods of time, deposits getting higher, or losses mounting more quickly than before.
Some common signs that gambling may have become problematic for you include spending more money or time than you intended to, using gambling to escape from stress or negative emotions, lying to your friends or family members about how regularly you play (or how much you spend), and chasing losses after a losing session.
If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth taking action sooner rather than later, because problem gambling tends to get worse over time – and the earlier you catch it, the more effectively you can treat it.
When you play with reputable online casino operators in New Zealand you’ll almost always have the ability to set limits – and we strongly recommend doing this before you begin playing. Some of the limits to consider:
Set these limits when you’re in a calm, clear-headed state, and not in the middle of a session. It’s well-worth doing as they dramatically reduce the possibility of you overspending.
We’ll show you some websites and phone numbers that can help you if you’re looking for help – but before that stage, you may feel like you want to make some practical changes. Replacing the habit is a good place to start, and that’s because gambling often fills a role. Depending on you and your lifestyle, this could be excitement, escape, or routine, and identifying what needs it’s meeting – and finding a healthier substitute – can make cutting down on gambling much easier.
Another good strategy is managing your finances. Consider giving a trusted family member temporary control of your financial accounts, set up automatic transfers to a savings account you can’t easily access, or make sure you pay your bills as soon as you get paid to minimise the risk of overspending what you can’t afford to spend.
It can be hard to open up about gambling problems, but talking to someone, whether it’s a professional or just a close family member or friend, can make a major difference.
New Zealand has several free, confidential services now. The Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Here, you can call, text, or live chat online. It’s free to contact the helpline from a landline, and most mobile network operators in New Zealand.
The Problem Gambling Foundation (PDF) is the leading dedicated gambling harm service in New Zealand, and they offer free counselling for people affected by gambling and their whānau. Services are available in person, via telehealth, and across regional New Zealand.
You may feel embarrassed – but these services have been created to help people in your situation. They know the problems gambling can cause and they’re here to help you. Don’t let pride or ego get in the way of you seeking help; problem gambling can feel impossible to overcome – but it’s possible – and there is, today, real help and support available.
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