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Responsible Gambling

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What is Problem Gambling?

In the betting world, problem gambling means more than just losing money. This activity can negatively impact a player's entire life, affecting daily behaviours and hauora.

Yet, the real concern is crossing the line from responsible fun to frustration and unhealthy habits. No matter that you bet on sports, scratch cards, play roulette, poker, or pokies, keeping control is essential. Our advice for our Kiwi players is to set and stick to a fixed budget to ensure that the experience remains safe and enjoyable at all times.

If the balance you create is crossed, the consequences can be severe. They can strain relationships, disrupt work, and lead to real financial issues.

For that reason, responsible gambling is vital. You must be in control at all times and still have a fun experience. At the same time, you’ll keep it safe and, why not, profitable!

Looking at The Gambling Rules

Don’t you know what it means to play responsibly? Well, it all starts with following some simple rules! It’s true: gambling can be fun, but it is equally important to set limits.

A responsible bettor should know all the boundaries, such as when to play and when to stop. Here are some essential rules to remember every time you use a gambling platform:

Don’t Bet More Than You Can Afford to Lose

Ensure you gamble only with the money set aside for this activity. You should set a separate budget just as you do for a night out, a concert, or movies. Fix your budget and stick to it; this is a must. Also, make sure you never use the money meant for essentials such as rent, bills, or food.

Know When To Walk Away

Gambling is an unpredictable activity. In case you are losing more than expected, it’s best not to chase losses. So, don’t continue betting beyond your budget. When you play full of emotions rather than a clear head, it can lead to even bigger losses.

Is This Not Fun At All? It’s Time for a Break

Online gambling is all about having fun, so it should stay that way at all times. However, if it starts to feel more frustrating than entertaining, you should step away for a while. Perhaps you’re not enjoying the games anymore, or you’re upset about losing–these are the moments when you need to take a break. Use that off time to relax and blow off some steam; then, you can return to have fun again.

Set Limits on Your Time and Money

If you are thinking of starting to play online games, ensure you decide on a budget. Fix the amount you want to spend on online games and how much you can actually afford to lose. Sticking to that set budget will help you stop before making a financial mess.

The same applies to your time, which is as valuable as money. Make sure you don’t let gambling take up more than its fair share. Set your priorities straight and ensure you’re not missing out on other important aspects of your life.

Gambling Equals Fun, Not Income

It’s true that gambling can help you win some spectacular money, but that’s not enough reason to be seen as a way to earn an income.

All casino games are based on chance. That means that luck still plays the biggest role in your outcome. If you’re hoping to get rich overnight, prepare for some real disappointment; that does not happen to all NZ players. Instead, you can enjoy the experience and have fun, and if luck is on your side, you can also delight yourself with some wins.

Only Gamble with a Clear Mind

We already mentioned that playing fully emotional is not a good idea. Thus, never gamble when you’re feeling angry, stressed, or upset.

Kiwi bettors should make decisions only with a clear mind and when all emotions are left behind. Playin while in a bad mood can lead to reckless bets. Unfortunately, we can say the same thing about betting when you’re over excited!

Don’t Play Under the Influence

A clouded mind has no place in betting. Alcohol or other substances can cloud your judgment, making it harder to respect your own boundaries. Not to mention that you can’t make any smart choices. If you’re gambling, do it when your mind is clear so you can stay in control.

Look for Help When Need It

When gambling starts to feel more like a problem, then reach out for support. Ensure you talk to friends or whānau, or best look for professional advice. You don’t need to go through all the struggle alone, as there are services in New Zealand that can offer you the right guidance and help, so you can get back on your feet.

Recognise the Signs of Gambling Addiction

Many experts refer to gambling addiction as the “hidden illness”, as unlike drugs or alcohol addiction, there are no actual physical signs to indicate it. Many people struggling with gambling don’t even realise the problem. If they do know about the issue, they probably deny it. However, if you’re unsure about where you’re at, here are some warning signs to watch for:

  • Spending more time and money gambling than you can afford to lose.
  • You keep playing to win back your losses.
  • You lie about the time or money you invest in gambling.
  • You just stopped talking with friends or whānau, choosing to gamble instead.
  • Gambling is always on your mind.
  • You play until you have no money left to spend.
  • The only time you feel excited about gambling is when you raise your stakes.
  • You start to borrow money from friends, family, banks, or even loan sharks to keep playing.
  • You’ve lied, stolen, or committed fraud to get money for gambling.
  • When you think about your gambling habits, it makes you anxious, guilty or depressed.

In case any of these signs sound familiar, then you might want to look for help. There are so many organisations in Aotearoa that can help you. So, don’t hesitate to reach out!

How To Get Professional Help in New Zealand?

The first and also the most important step is realising that you have a gambling problem. This is perhaps the hardest step to take for your recovery. It takes a lot of courage to admit you actually have a problem, especially if you faced financial loss and broken relationships along the way. The point is never to give up and look for help. You don’t need to handle everything on your own.

Some so many people have already been in your shows and have successfully overcome their addictions and created better lives afterwards. These are the signs that you can do it, too.

Multiple services in New Zealand are available to guide you through your challenging journey. Here are a few suggestions where you can reach out for help using any means of communication you prefer:

All these services have trained personnel who are more than ready to help you on your journey to recovery. Also, they are trained to find the best solution for your particular situation. Don’t hesitate to get in touch–they are here for you!

Also, if you feel that your gambling activity is becoming too hard to handle, contact any of these organisations today. Their experts are ready to assist you with all the support you need.

Please remember that the key to responsible gambling is keeping the balance, which means setting limits, enjoying the experience, and, most importantly, playing safe!