Responsible Gambling: Safe Online Gaming in New Zealand

Online gambling can be an entertaining pastime when approached responsibly. However, it’s crucial to understand the risks and know how to maintain control over your gambling habits. This guide will help you recognize warning signs, implement responsible gambling practices, and find support if needed.

Understanding Gambling Risks

Financial Risks

  • Loss of savings and emergency funds
  • Accumulating gambling debts
  • Missing bill payments or rent
  • Taking loans or using credit cards for gambling
  • Impact on family finances and relationships

Emotional and Mental Health Impact

  • Increased stress and anxiety
  • Depression and mood swings
  • Relationship conflicts
  • Work or study performance issues
  • Social isolation
  • Sleep problems

Online-Specific Risks

  • 24/7 accessibility making it harder to maintain boundaries
  • Easy to lose track of time and money in digital environments
  • Multiple accounts across different platforms
  • Using credit cards can lead to gambling with money you don’t have
  • Targeted advertising and promotional emails encouraging more gambling
  • Mobile apps making gambling accessible anywhere

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Pay attention to these indicators that gambling might be becoming a problem:

  • Spending more time and money than intended
  • Gambling to recover losses
  • Hiding gambling activities from family and friends
  • Feeling guilty or anxious about gambling
  • Borrowing money or selling assets to gamble
  • Neglecting work, study, or family responsibilities
  • Unable to stop thinking about gambling
  • Lying about gambling habits
  • Gambling when feeling stressed or depressed

Responsible Gambling Tools and Strategies

Set Limits

  • Establish strict deposit limits
  • Use time limits for gaming sessions
  • Set loss limits for each session
  • Never chase losses
  • Only gamble with disposable income

Financial Management

  • Create a separate gambling budget
  • Never use credit cards for gambling
  • Keep track of all gambling expenses
  • Don’t gamble with rent or bill money
  • Set up automatic payments for essential bills

Self-Control Measures

  • Take regular breaks
  • Don’t gamble under the influence of alcohol or drugs
  • Avoid gambling when feeling emotional or stressed
  • Use self-exclusion tools when needed
  • Install blocking software on your devices

Getting Help in New Zealand

Immediate Support

Gambling Helpline NZ

Māori Gambling Helpline

  • Free Call: 0800 654 656

Pasifika Gambling Helpline

  • Free Call: 0800 654 657

Professional Support Services

Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF)

  • Free Call: 0800 664 262
  • Website: www.pgf.nz
  • Services: Free counselling, support groups, and financial advice

Salvation Army Oasis

Online Self-Help Resources

Self-Exclusion Options

Online Casino Self-Exclusion

  • Most reputable online casinos offer self-exclusion programs
  • Periods typically range from 24 hours to permanent exclusion
  • Contact customer support to activate self-exclusion
  • Consider multi-operator self-exclusion where available

Blocking Software

Supporting Someone with a Gambling Problem

If you’re concerned about someone’s gambling:

  • Express your concerns without judgment
  • Encourage them to seek professional help
  • Support them in using self-exclusion tools
  • Help them find alternative activities
  • Consider family counselling
  • Protect your own finances
  • Contact support services for guidance

Commitment to Responsible Gambling

Remember that gambling should never be seen as a way to:

  • Make money or solve financial problems
  • Escape from personal issues
  • Cope with depression or anxiety
  • Replace social interaction

If you’re concerned about your gambling habits or those of someone close to you, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Support services in New Zealand are free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Additional Resources

Financial Counselling

Mental Health Support

  • 1737 Need to Talk? (Call or text 1737)
  • Depression Helpline (0800 111 757)
  • Anxiety Helpline (0800 269 4389)

Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. There are people ready to support you in maintaining control over your gambling and working towards a healthier relationship with gaming.