Responsible Gambling for Kiwis

Gambling can be fun for many Kiwis, but it’s important to remember that it could mean serious trouble if you don’t play your cards right. Responsible gambling allows for thrilling wagers without the risk of developing an out-of-control gambling struggle. This guide outlines some strategies and resources to help New Zealanders gamble healthily.

What is gambling addiction?

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Gambling addiction is an unhealthy compulsion to gamble that keeps coming despite all the negative outcomes dedicated gamblers face. From slots, poker and blackjack to online gambling and joining fantasy sports leagues – people struggling with a severe addiction can’t seem to not participate in these activities.

Financial debt? Losing jobs? Ruined relationships? It is part of being an addicted gambler, and it’s no joke. Fortunately, there are treatment options out there, like therapy, meds or lifestyle changes, that may work for some folks. Alternatively, seeking professional support from Gamblers Anonymous meetings or similar groups could also help make things better.

Signs and Symptoms of Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction is a serious issue and could make your life tough. It can leave people with shattered relationships, financial issues, depression, anxiety or even suicidal thoughts. Knowing the symptoms of something’s wrong is important, so getting help is much easier. So here are some warning signs you should look out for:

Constantly Thinking About Gambling: If you just can’t stop considering bets on real money gambling or trying to maximize how much money you could win, that’s not good.
Loss Of Control When It Comes to Gambling: If, despite seeing the hurtful outcomes from gambling, such as being in debt, you still cannot quit, then it’s time for alarm bells.
Chasing Losses: Taking far bigger risks than before in an attempt at recovering all the money lost isn’t wise, so be sure this red flag isn’t being missed!
Breaking Promises To Quit: People say they’ll quit but can’t resist and end up with more financial or relationship worries because of slipping back into the trap.
Turning To Gambling For Stress Relief: If it’s left to build up, reaching for gambling as an easy way out can be harmful to our physical health due to exhaustion and feeling more down after lots of losses in a row.

Reasons of Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction affects so many folks out there. It’s a big deal and can have difficult financial, emotional, and physical implications. Everybody has reasons for gambling addiction in New Zealand for getting hooked, but here are some of the more popular ones:

Brushing With Danger: For some people, gambling just gives them such an adrenaline rush – it’s hard to control that wild unpredictability, which makes them feel all pumped up! And when they win or almost win, the feeling of victory is like no other – what a satisfying sensation!
Escaping Everyday Worries: Others who grapple with stress or anxiety in everyday life might turn to gambling as it serves as a method of escape from reality for a time – bills going unpaid? Relationship troubles? Nothing compared to the intense focus on the game at hand. But ultimately, this relief fades away pretty quickly once the effects of all that excitement wear off.
Fighting Depression: If you’re feeling the blues, it might feel good for a second to do something like gamble and take your mind off things – but it’s just a temporary fix when dealing with depression. It would help if you always looked for healthier solutions to help in the long run.
Social Pressure: Sometimes people gamble because they aren’t sure how else to fit in with their friends or family who are into it, even if they know this isn’t healthy behaviour or financially secure either.
Desperation & Desired Rewards: It’s easy to get tempted by gambling as it can mean big rewards without doing too much work; however, losses soon mount up if the right precautions aren’t taken before making wagers – leading many into financial ruin!

Gambling Addiction Types

Gambling addiction is a real problem that could have rough outcomes for individuals, their families and even whole communities. Different types of gambling addictions show up in different ways, which can include:

Pathological Gambling: People with this addiction struggle to say no to gambling, even if it might come with severe consequences like bankruptcy and breaking relationships.
Compulsive Gambling: Compulsive NZ gamblers cannot brake when they start betting. However, they’re usually able to hold off engaging in extreme behaviours related to their addiction for longer than those with pathological gambling issues.
Problem Gambling: Though not as wicked as severe addictions, like the ones with compulsive or pathological gamblers, there’s still potential for money problems if you keep up problematic gambling habits over time. Instead of losing a lot in weeks or days -like the more extreme cases- losses can stack up over months and years.
Recreational Gambling: It can quickly take over your life if you don’t watch out -especially with this sort of social gambling that focuses on luck instead of skill when playing poker at casinos or competing against others online.

How to Prevent Gambling Addiction?

Dealing with gambling addiction is no joke. It can mess up relationships, careers and lives, so we must be aware of the signs and take restrictive measures to prevent them. Here are some responsible gambling ways you can help stop gambling from getting out of control:

Set Limits: Needing an extra safeguard? When you’re about to gamble, devise a budget and stick to it! It will give you control over your money, so there won’t be excessive losses.
Account for Time Spent Gambling: How long are those trips to the casino taking away from other stuff in life? Keep track of how much cash (and time) you spend playing games or bets daily/week. Consider why you’re involved in this activity – only for recreation – and don’t get caught up in losing focus on other important activities.
Look Into New Hobbies: Trying new activities like joining online forums or picking up hobbies might divert you from being tempted by wagering too much money on future events/games.
Get Help if You Need It: If you’re overwhelmed by gambling, don’t keep it to yourself! Reach out and get the help you need with responsible NZ gambling. Consider talking to a therapist or joining a support group specializing in compulsive behaviour to reclaim control before any big problems arise.

Gambling Companies’ Responsibilities

Casino companies are all responsible for ensuring everyone plays nice. That means giving out info on how to gamble safely, clear rules and extra help to anyone showin’ signs of havin’ trouble. Don’t forget that everybody needs to bet within their means and be well aware of the risk they’re taking.

Other essential steps – players should include limits on wager sizes, time & money limits for New Zealand gamblers, customer support round-the-clock with contact info for help organs, verifying players’ ages & enforcing user behaviour in casinos. Stay sharp, though – when tracking customers, you’ve got to watch out for anything suspicious!

NZ Organizations that Can Help You with Addiction

Addiction can be a serious issue affecting many people. But luckily, there’s help here in New Zealand! The Problem Gambling Foundation and Gambling Helpline exist to support those who are dealing with gambling addiction. In contrast, Safer Gambling Aotearoa looks to reduce any harm caused by problem gambling through educational initiatives.

The Problem Gambling Foundation

The Problem Gambling Foundation does incredible work, including providing counselling services to those struggling, clinical advice, self-help materials for family members (and those dealing directly) and more. On top of that, they provide fantastic online sources so you can stay informed – including factsheets on debt management and helpful tips for improving relationships affected by gambling problems. Plus, you’ll find the latest news from their research programs, too!

Gambling Helpline

Gambling Helpline is here to help – they have 24/7 confidential phone counselling and an online chat room where you can get advice from experienced counsellors. Plus, they’ve got responsible gambling resources like financial calculators and guides available on their website to help you better understand your financial situation so that you can work out how best to carry on.

Safer Gambling Aotearoa

Safer Gambling Aotearoa is about helping people make more informed decisions when playing games of chance or betting responsibly on sports events. To spread the word, they visit high schools around New Zealand with talks and seminars aimed at reducing the risk of problem gambling by teaching young people about making good wagering choices and knowing when enough is enough.

NZ Organizations That Can Help You Manage Debts

Debt can seem scary, but it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of organizations in New Zealand that can help you with debt challenges. Here’s a roundup of organs and what they offer to get your debts paid faster:

Citizen’s Advice Bureau (CAB)	Get valuable advice on your money troubles – sorting out contracts, working with creditors and budgeting for living costs. CAB also knows how to handle official paperwork so nobody can scam you!
Credit Counselling Service (CCS)	This is for those needing more support with their debts or finances – get free financial classes plus confidential one-on-one credit counselling sessions from experts who know the ins and outs of dealing with debt struggles.
StepChange Debt Charity NZ	StepChange offers help with credit card and unsecured loan repayments and other debt management services. They have an online support hub and a free telephone number where you can talk to someone about your budgeting or money worries.
Financial Education & Counselling New Zealand (FECNZ)	FECNZ has advice and programs tailored to the complex problems of managing money. From budgeting, bankruptcy proceedings and superannuation planning options, they will also help you investigate tax minimization strategies available in New Zealand.
Consumer Credit Solutions Ltd	These guys offer expert consumer law mediation measures that will protect your rights under the circumstances – so that’s worth checking out!

Conclusion

Whether you’re dealing with a mountain of debt or want to get back on top of your finances, plenty of helpful organizations and services are available in New Zealand to help you out. So don’t be afraid to seek advice about responsible gambling – it can make a world of difference in the long run!