Gambling Addiction

Gambling addiction, also known as compulsive gambling or gambling disorder, is the uncontrollable urge to keep gambling despite the negative impact it has on a person's life. Gambling can stimulate the brain's reward system, similar to how drugs or alcohol can, leading to addiction. At CasinoRank, we're committed to advocating for responsible gambling and offer this guide to help understand and address gambling addiction effectively for New Zealand players.

Understanding Gambling Addiction in New Zealand

Online gambling addiction is fundamentally the same as any other form of addiction. It's a compulsive behaviour characterised by the continuous pursuit and engagement in gambling activities, irrespective of the negative repercussions. These consequences can be financial, emotional, or even physical. The digital era has significantly increased the accessibility of gambling, thereby raising the risk of addiction, a concern many players in New Zealand are aware of.

Why Do Some Players Get Hooked on Gambling?

1. Instant Gratification: Quick results create a rush—wins feel rewarding, and losses often drive the urge to chase them.
2. Easy Access: Online gambling is available 24/7 on any device, making frequent play hard to resist for Kiwis.
3. Privacy: It’s discreet, allowing people to gamble without others easily knowing, potentially reducing accountability.
4. Enticing Bonuses: Promotions and special offers can encourage players to bet more than they initially intended.
5. Escape: Gambling can offer a temporary break from stress or boredom, but repeated use for escapism can develop into an unhealthy habit.
6. Social Hooks: Multiplayer games, leaderboards, and chat features can add a social motivation to keep playing.
7. Illusion of Control: Strategy-based games may give players the false impression that skill guarantees winning, encouraging continued play.

Recognising the Signs of Gambling Addiction

Detecting an addiction early is vital for both prevention and intervention. Understanding the signs of online gambling addiction can help you or someone you know take appropriate action before the problem escalates. These signs can be broadly categorised into two groups: personal and external.

1. Personal Signs

Self-monitoring is one of the most proactive approaches to preventing addiction. Keep an eye on these personal indicators, which might suggest a developing issue:

Preoccupation

This goes beyond occasional thoughts; it's when your mind is constantly preoccupied with gambling. You might find yourself daydreaming about your next gambling session or planning your next bet even when you're busy with other tasks. If gambling frequently fills your daydreams or conversations, it could be an early warning sign.

Increasing Bets

It often starts subtly. Initially, you might only add a bit more money than usual. Over time, you may find that smaller bets no longer provide the same satisfaction. You feel a growing need to wager more money and more frequently to achieve the same thrill. This escalation in bet sizes can easily lead to financial difficulties.

Gambling to Recover Losses

Nobody enjoys losing. However, if after a loss, your immediate thought is, "I must win it back," you should be cautious. Persistently trying to recoup lost funds often results in greater losses and a feeling of being caught in a cycle.

Gambling with Savings/Budgets

The shift from occasional betting to gambling with essential funds or savings is a critical sign of trouble in online casino play. When players start using money set aside for necessities or future goals, it clearly indicates addictive behaviour.

Experiencing Withdrawal Symptoms

If you attempt to reduce your gambling or take a break and find yourself feeling restless, irritable, or anxious, these could be signs of withdrawal. Similar to other addictions, your body may react negatively when deprived of the usual activity.

Neglecting Responsibilities

When gambling starts taking priority over essential duties, it's a clear indicator of a problem. Whether it's choosing to gamble over work commitments, missing family events, or overlooking personal obligations, these choices suggest a growing dependency.

Concealing Gambling Activities

The need to hide your gambling activities signals a significant red flag. This behaviour often arises from fear of judgment or concern about others noticing the frequency or amount of your bets. When the desire to share gaming experiences is replaced by secrecy, it indicates a deeper issue. This change might stem from accumulating losses, spending more time or money than affordable, or simply feeling guilty about gambling. It’s crucial at this point to pause and reflect.

Betting on Unusual Events

Betting on various events is a common practice among online gamblers, especially with the expansive options available at new casinos. From classic casino games to live sports events, the range is vast and often enticing. However, a warning sign of potential addiction is when players start betting on events they have little to no knowledge about. This behavior reflects a shift from calculated, informed betting to impulsive, random wagering. If you find yourself placing bets on every available event, regardless of your understanding or interest, it's time to reassess your gambling habits.

2. External Signs

Sometimes we're the last to notice changes in ourselves. It's the people around us – family, friends, or colleagues – who spot these external signs:

Financial Struggles:

Unexplained loans, dwindling savings, or regular money problems are major red flags. If you find yourself borrowing money to gamble or are unclear about where your money went, it's time to reassess.

Mood Swings:

It's not uncommon to feel a rush when you win or disappointment when you lose. But if these feelings intensify and you become increasingly irritable, agitated, or even depressed, especially when not gambling, you need to pause and reflect.

Reduced Work Performance:

When gambling starts affecting your work, it's a sure sign that it's becoming a problem. Missing out on work, consistently coming in late, decreased productivity, or frequent breaks to gamble are all signs that gambling is taking over your professional life.

Avoiding Social Events:

Humans are inherently social creatures. If you find yourself regularly skipping gatherings, meetings, or events because they interfere with your gambling time or because you're trying to hide your gambling, it’s an indication that gambling is starting to control your social decisions.

Always remember, noticing one or two of these signs doesn't necessarily mean you or someone you know is addicted. However, these signs are indicators that you might want to evaluate your relationship with online gambling and consider seeking responsible gambling practices.

Steps to Prevent Online Gambling Addiction

Here are comprehensive steps to help keep online gambling a recreational activity rather than a problematic one:

Set Limits

Creating boundaries can provide a safety net:

• Time Limit: Define your gambling duration. Decide beforehand whether you'll engage for 30 minutes, an hour, or any specific time frame.
• Financial Limit: Always operate within your means. If you've allocated $50 for gambling, remain firm in not exceeding that amount.
• Frequency Limit: Determine how often you'll gamble. Maybe it's once a week, bi-weekly, or once a month. Stick to this schedule to prevent daily gambling habits.
• Win-Loss Limit: Set a point where you'll stop, whether it's after a certain win or a particular loss. This can prevent chasing losses or becoming overconfident after wins.

Educate Yourself

Equip yourself with knowledge:

• Read Articles: The internet is brimming with resources. Besides articles like this one, many provide insights into gambling behaviors and addiction.
• Attend Workshops: Look for workshops or seminars in your community or online. They can offer a deep dive into understanding the risks associated with gambling.
• Research Statistics: Understanding the odds and how they work can reduce the allure of games that have low chances of winning.

Use Tech to Your Advantage

Leverage the tools available:

• Self-exclusion: Use this feature to take breaks from certain gambling sites or apps.
• Alerts: Enable notifications to remind you when you've reached your set limits, whether they're time-based or financial.
• App Blockers: Consider using third-party applications that block access to gambling sites or apps during specified hours.
• Tracking Apps: Some apps allow you to monitor and review your gambling history, helping you be more aware of your habits.

Seek Support

You're not alone in this:

• Talk to Loved Ones: Open up about your experiences and set intentions. They can be a sounding board and offer encouragement.
• Professional Counseling: Don't hesitate to seek expert advice if you notice alarming patterns in your gambling behavior.
• Support Groups: Organizations like BeGambleAware or even online forums can be beneficial. Engaging with others who have faced similar challenges can offer both empathy and strategies for coping.
• Stay Accountable: Regularly review and discuss your gambling habits with a trusted friend or family member. This can offer an external perspective and motivation to maintain healthy habits.

How to Stop Gambling?

Taking control of a gambling habit can be challenging but is certainly achievable with a structured approach. Here are some step-by-step guidelines to help you stop gambling:

1. Acknowledge the Issue: The first step toward recovery is admitting there's a problem.
2. Avoid Temptation: Stay away from environments or websites that encourage gambling. Delete bookmarks, apps, or even consider self-exclusion tools to restrict access.
3. Seek Support: Confide in trusted friends, family, or professionals. Their support can be a beacon during challenging moments.
4. Engage in Alternative Activities: Replace gambling with other hobbies or activities you love. Whether it's reading, sports, or learning a new skill, ensure you have other outlets.
5. Financial Discipline: Set strict limits on your finances. Consider giving temporary control of your financials to a trusted person or using apps to limit gambling expenditures.
6. Join a Support Group: Groups like Gamblers Anonymous offer peer-led support, helping you connect with others who've faced similar challenges.
7. Professional Counseling: Consider seeking therapeutic support to address any underlying issues and equip you with coping strategies.
8. Stay Educated: Learn about the consequences of excessive gambling. The more you understand, the easier it becomes to resist.
9. Regularly Reflect: Take time to think about your actions, their consequences, and the reasons you want to quit. This can serve as a continual reminder and motivation.

Recovery is Possible

Realizing that you have an addiction can be a daunting and overwhelming revelation. Throughout history, countless individuals have confronted and conquered their gambling demons, emerging stronger and more resilient. The key lies in seeking and accepting help. Building a robust support system, comprising understanding friends, empathetic family members, or experienced professionals, can make a world of difference. They can provide guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear when times get tough. Taking that first step by admitting you need assistance is brave, and it sets you on the path toward regaining control of your life.

List of Gambling Support Resources

These organizations offer a variety of services to assist individuals with gambling issues:

• BeGambleAware: Offers information to assist individuals in making informed decisions about their gambling habits.
• Gamblers Anonymous: A community where individuals share their experiences and find support.
• GambleAware: Provides resources and understanding for those looking to navigate or challenge their gambling habits.
• GamCare: A UK-based organization offering support, advice, and counseling services.

Use Self-Exclusion and Blocking Tools for Gambling

Conclusion

Navigating online gambling takes careful thought and control. While the chance for big wins can be exciting, it's important to remember the risks. At CasinoRank, we encourage you to stay alert, look after your health, and keep in mind that gambling is meant for fun, not to take over your life. Keep your approach to gambling balanced and always ask for help if it starts to affect other parts of your life. Let's make sure gambling stays a safe and enjoyable activity.