AU
NZ
Being responsible when you gamble means being careful so that it doesn’t cause problems. This means you should only spend what you can afford, think of gambling as just a fun activity, and take steps to make sure you don’t get too caught up in it. Gambling can be fun but it's important to remember that it can also be risky.
New Zealand has its own unique gambling environment. Although Kiwis lose less per capita than Australians, gambling-related suffering remains significant. According to the most recent research, New Zealanders lost almost 2.4 billion NZD on gambling last year, a significant number for such a small country.
In New Zealand, people can play games at casinos, bet on sports, and buy lottery tickets. About 70 out of every 100 adults like to gamble each year. While most people have fun, a few can get into big trouble because of it. When someone has a hard time with gambling, it can also affect their family, friends, and the whole community.
| Gambling category | Total amount lost | Per capita loss |
|---|---|---|
| Pokies (outside casinos) | 987 million NZD | 204 NZD |
| Casinos | 652 million NZD | 135 NZD |
| Lotteries | 559 million NZD | 116 NZD |
| Sports betting | 192 million NZD | 40 NZD |
The COVID-19 pandemic brought about many changes to gambling habits within New Zealand and, of course, worldwide. Due to most of the gambling venues being closed or limited, much of the gambling behaviour shifted to online gambling. Research showed there was a significant rise in participation in online gambling, especially during lockdown when feelings of boredom, stress, and isolation increased the risk of more hazardous gambling for some.
COVID-19 also brought financial stress for many New Zealanders, which they reflected in gambling patterns. This was an opportunity for some players to cut back or stop due to financial worries, while for others, it was a relief activity. It has been shown by an uptick in online gambling during the pandemic that new concerns about problem gambling have emerged, as players who had not previously gambled online started to experiment with easily accessed digital platforms.
The New Zealand government has taken many steps to decrease gambling-related harm, with an emphasis on regulation, self-exclusion methods, and public awareness.
The Ministry of Health is the lead body for New Zealand's efforts to prevent harm from gambling. The National Strategy includes funding for support services, public education campaigns, and research into the impacts of gambling.
New Zealand offers a number of tools to assist gamblers and help them maintain control:
Control over gambling includes setting personal limits and being able to recognise problem warning signs. Below, you can find some long-term strategies that will help maintain gambling as just a form of entertainment:
The most basic rule of responsible gambling is to avoid betting more than you can afford to lose. This means not using funds that you need for rent, bills, or groceries. If you look at gambling purely as a form of entertainment and not an opportunity to make a lot of money, it will indeed be enjoyable and will not affect your financial situation negatively.
Sometimes, when people lose money while gambling, they feel like they need to keep playing to win it back. This can be a big mistake because it usually ends up making them lose even more money. If you notice you're losing more than you expected, it's better to take a break instead of trying to keep playing. Remember, gambling is like a game where you can't always guess what will happen, and trying to get back what you lost can make you feel even worse.
Keeping a healthy balance of activities in your life can prevent gambling from becoming an all-consuming hobby. We recommend that you devote time to other interests, social events, exercises, and hobbies that bring fulfilment aside from gambling. You will know you can enjoy gambling by living a well-rounded lifestyle and making it one of the various activities you engage in for entertainment.
When people feel sad, worried, or stressed, they might think about making bets to feel better. But this can lead to bad habits and make things worse in the long run. Even if gambling seems to help for a little while, it can cause more problems later on. Instead of wagering, it's better to talk to friends, play outside, or get help from someone who knows how to support you.
You should make access to funds more difficult for yourself while gambling. This can mean anything from carrying limited cash to leaving bank cards at home. This way, you create a kind of barrier between yourself and your money that lessens the chances of your overspending in one session. This is also one good way to build up resistance to overspending beyond the limits you set.
Wonder if this is getting out of hand? Here are some signs to look out for in yourself or others:
There are some agencies providing support to people affected by gambling harm in New Zealand. The services offered by these agencies range from counselling and education to community outreach in trying to reduce the negative impact of gambling on the player and their family. Here are the key gambling support agencies in New Zealand:
As the name says, the Problem Gambling Foundation helps Kiwis who have problems with gambling. They offer free and private help for anyone upset because of gambling, including their friends and family. You can talk to them in person at certain places, or you can call, text, email, or chat with them online. Their helpline is available at 0800 664 262.
The Gambling Helpline has a 24-hour freephone service that gives instant assistance to people who are concerned about their own or others' gambling habits. The helpline is available at 0800 654 655 or via text at 8006. They provide specialist solutions for Māori, Pasifika, youth, and debt-related gambling concerns.
Mapu Maia is a Pasifika-specific support service offering free and confidential counselling across New Zealand. They provide services in English as well as Samoan and Tongan languages. Their contact number is 0800 21 21 22.
Asian Family Services provides culturally appropriate support for Asian communities in New Zealand. They offer free counselling in multiple languages, including Mandarin, Cantonese, Hindi, Korean, Vietnamese, Japanese, and Thai. Their helpline is 0800 862 342, available for both face-to-face and telephone consultations.
The Te Whatu Ora organisation oversees various problem gambling services throughout the country. They contract multiple providers to deliver free and confidential support tailored to different population groups, including Māori and Pacific peoples.
Safer Gambling Aotearoa also helps keep people from NZ safe from problems that can come from gambling. They give out helpful information and support to encourage people to gamble in a smart way. They want everyone in the community to understand the risks of gambling and how to stay safe.
Gambling in New Zealand is a form of entertainment; it has just got to fall within the proper measure. Know the signs, set limits on your gambling, and seek help when needed. Remember that help is available, and the earlier a player deals with gambling-related issues, the easier it will be to avoid harming themselves or others. Stay informed, and bet responsibly!
