What is responsible gambling for New Zealand players?

There are guidelines for both players and casinos regarding responsible gambling. A fundamental principle of responsible gambling is that people should view this activity as a source of entertainment rather than a means of generating income. Responsible gamblers enjoy the game or sport while ensuring that their actions do not have a detrimental effect on their emotional or financial well-being. On the contrary, people with gambling addiction can’t control their gambling behaviour.

Gambling Addiction: Common Signs and Symptoms

Below are the most common signs of gambling addiction.

1. A person constantly thinks about the game, plans the next one or searches where to get money for it.
2. In case of any mental discomfort (anxiety, melancholy, guilt, feeling of helplessness) a person gets a strong desire to gamble immediately.
3. It is common for gambling addicts to try to borrow from people they have known for only a short time, especially if borrowing from friends is no longer possible.
4. The gambling addict lies about the amount of money he spends in the casino. Over time, lying turns into a part of his personality – and the player begins to deceive loved ones in all sorts of situations.
5. The gambling addict does not pay attention to the world around him, and if you try to distract him from the game, he becomes aggressive and rude. At home, an attentive, kind and calm person suddenly becomes angry, indifferent, and sarcastic.
6.  Loss of interest in other hobbies, work, and family. For gambling addicts playing games or betting becomes the only reason for existence.
7. Repeated unsuccessful attempts to give up gambling or at least play it less often.

Gambling addiction can be episodic or permanent. In the first case, the symptoms of the disorder described above may disappear for a long time, in the second they are observed constantly. 

Tips for responsible gambling from NZ First Casinos

Responsibility of online casinos

Top Kiwi online casinos are not interested in making money from people suffering from gambling addiction. They believe it is important to help people take control of their finances and lives. What rules do responsible industry businesses adhere to?

Professional help

Gambling addiction is difficult, but it can be overcome. If you follow our tips and still cannot cope with your gambling addiction, then you should turn to a specialist. This could be your therapist or psychologist. Additionally, in New Zealand, you can find many support groups and organizations that offer help to addicted players. Here are some of the organizations you can contact:

• Gambling Helpline 

https://gamblinghelpline.co.nz/

It is a 24-hour freephone helpline that offers support for New Zealand players. You can also contact them by free text message. There you can get essential information about gambling addiction and personalized advice.

• The Problem Gambling Foundation

https://www.pgf.nz/

This organisation offers free and confidential support for anyone affected by gambling. It is available from 8.30 am – 5.00 pm Monday to Friday.

• Safer Gambling Aotearoa 

https://www.safergambling.org.nz/

Here you can get support for your own gambling issues, and also if you have someone you want to help. Service is free of charge regardless of how many sessions with experts you might need to have.

Professional financial help for people in debt

If your debt has reached a level that you can no longer handle on your own, then contact the following organizations. Their experts will offer you debt management services and solutions tailored to suit your personal needs.

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