Responsible Gaming - New Zealand

Unhealthy gaming habits are a significant issue that affects people who bet online and in traditional casinos. Despite the entertainment that a wagering session can bring to a casual gambler, the activity can quickly become distressing when you are betting more than you can afford to. This is when responsible gaming becomes a priority. This article aims to educate Kiwi gamblers on healthy gaming habits and where to find support in New Zealand.

Responsible gaming refers to the practice of gambling in a healthy way. It promotes gambling with limits that prevent risks, such as financial loss or emotional distress. Luckily, many methods can be implemented to decrease the effects unhealthy gambling can have on your life. The most common one is setting personal limits that reduce the time you spend at the casino and how much money you use for your wagers.

The best online casinos are integral in promoting responsible gambling practices. Many top casinos provide features like deposit limits, time limits, and self-exclusion options to help players control their gambling.

Some platforms also offer reality checks, reminding players of their gaming time and spend. These tools empower players to make informed choices and avoid risky behaviour.

It’s important to remember that reputable casinos take responsible gambling seriously. They often direct players to helpful resources and support services if gambling becomes a problem. Always familiarise yourself with these options before you start playing, and use them whenever you need to. Be wary of casinos that neglect responsible gaming functions or information.

Maintaining responsible gambling behaviour can ensure your online casino experience remains harm-free. If you play healthily, gaming can remain an activity you associate with pleasure and happiness rather than anger and disappointment. Here is why a responsible strategy when wagering is essential:

• Emotional Health

Losing is part of the world of gambling. The smallest details can impact the outcome of your bets since it’s all based on your luck in a particular casino game. It’s normal to feel disappointed, but if losing starts to feel overwhelmingly stressful, it is time to examine your betting habits. In the worst cases, this can lead to depression or anxiety disorders.

• Financial Trouble

Betting excessively may soon leave you with fewer funds than you anticipated. When your finances are disorganised, it’s easy to end up betting more than you can afford to, and it’s even more tempting when you keep losing. With responsible gambling, you can protect your finances and avoid personal bankruptcy.

• Maintaining Social Stability

Unhealthy gambling habits don’t just affect you; they affect your loved ones as well. If you are unsure about whether you have a gambling problem, talking to those closest to you is a good way to gain understanding and support.

Sometimes, you don’t realise you have a gambling problem until it’s too late. Learning how to recognise the indicators of a risky wagering habit is key to putting an end to it.

Here are some of the most common indicators that it’s time to act:

• You think about gambling frequently, even when you are doing other things. It may even lead to your whole day being planned around your betting activity.
• You feel moody and irritable due to gambling.
• You hide your gambling activities from your family members and friends.
• You are unable to stop placing wagers, even when you are not enjoying it.
• You experience money issues. You may spend more than you can afford or be borrowing money to maintain your habit.
• Your relationships or work life are suffering due to your gambling habit.
• Wagering has become a way for you to escape your daily struggles, such as work-related stress, depression, or anxiety.
• You chase losses.

Checking in with yourself and analysing your gambling habits is the best way to maintain a healthy relationship with this pastime. Here are some things you should do to avoid falling into the trap of problem gambling:

Don’t Chase Losses

When you are losing, it can often be tempting to try and win back what you have lost with ever-riskier bets. However, this may end badly because there’s no guarantee that you’ll win, and then you are even deeper in the hole. You should resist the temptation to up your wager in an attempt to recoup losses. If you are gambling for profit, you are bound to have a bad time.

Establish Boundaries

Set restrictions for the time you spend on casino and sports betting platforms and limit the sums you bet. You can set daily, weekly, and/or monthly limits to avoid losing significant amounts of cash.

Gamble for Fun—Not for Profit

Wagering should be an enjoyable activity. Think of it as a form of entertainment rather than a way to escape your daily issues and make money. If you aren’t having fun while gambling—you shouldn’t be doing it.

Reach Out for Help

Ask for help from loved ones or a professional if you feel like you are developing unhealthy gambling habits. Leave your pride aside and seek assistance before making decisions you regret later.

Responsible Gaming Resources in New Zealand

In New Zealand, a variety of organizations provide important support to individuals affected by gambling harm. These organizations offer counselling, advice and education to help players make informed decisions and assist those experiencing gambling-related difficulties.

• Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF): A national non-profit organisation offering free counselling, advice, and support services to individuals affected by gambling harm.
• Gambling Helpline New Zealand: A 24/7 confidential helpline providing support and information for those experiencing gambling problems.
• Safer Gambling Aotearoa: A New Zealand-based organization dedicated to minimizing gambling harm by providing resources, support services, and educational materials to promote safer gambling practices.