Kia Ora, New Zealand! Let’s Talk About Gambling
Hey there, fellow Kiwis! Online casinos and gambling are becoming super popular, and it’s easy to see why. The thrill of the game, the potential to win, and the convenience of playing from your couch are all part of the appeal. Whether you’re trying your luck at online pokies, enjoying a hand of online poker, or checking out a site like Hell Spin, it’s all about having fun, right? Absolutely! But, like anything enjoyable, it’s important to keep things in perspective. This article is all about helping you recognise the signs of problem gambling – before it becomes a problem. We’re here to make sure your gambling experience stays positive and doesn’t turn into something that causes stress or financial hardship. Let’s dive in!
What Does Problem Gambling Actually Look Like?
Problem gambling isn’t just about losing money. It’s a complex issue that can affect your finances, relationships, mental health, and overall well-being. It’s when gambling starts to control your life, rather than the other way around. Here are some key indicators to watch out for:
- Chasing Losses: This is a big one. It’s when you keep gambling to try and win back the money you’ve lost. It’s like a vicious cycle – you lose, you bet more to recover, and often, you lose even more.
- Spending More Than You Can Afford: Are you gambling with money you need for bills, rent, groceries, or other essential expenses? If so, that’s a serious warning sign.
- Lying About Your Gambling: Do you find yourself hiding how much you’re gambling from your friends, family, or partner? This secrecy is often a sign that you know your behaviour isn’t healthy.
- Gambling to Escape: Are you using gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or other difficult emotions? Gambling shouldn’t be a way to avoid your problems; it should be a form of entertainment.
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Is gambling interfering with your work, studies, or family commitments? Are you missing important events or neglecting your duties because of gambling?
- Borrowing Money to Gamble: Are you borrowing money from friends, family, or using credit cards to fund your gambling? This is a clear indication that your gambling is becoming a problem.
- Feeling Restless or Irritable: Do you feel agitated or on edge when you’re not gambling, or when you try to cut back? This can be a sign of withdrawal symptoms.
- Trying and Failing to Control or Stop: Have you tried to cut back on your gambling or stop altogether, but found yourself unable to do so?
Digging Deeper: The Emotional and Behavioural Signs
Beyond the obvious financial implications, problem gambling also has a significant emotional impact. Here are some emotional and behavioural signs to be aware of:
Mood Swings and Emotional Turmoil
Problem gambling can lead to significant mood swings. You might experience intense highs when you win, followed by crushing lows when you lose. This emotional rollercoaster can be exhausting and contribute to feelings of anxiety, depression, and hopelessness. You might also become irritable, easily angered, or withdrawn from social activities.
Changes in Sleep and Appetite
Gambling can disrupt your sleep patterns. You might find yourself staying up late to gamble, or waking up in the middle of the night to check results or place bets. Furthermore, the stress and anxiety associated with problem gambling can also affect your appetite, leading to either overeating or a loss of appetite.
Relationship Problems
Problem gambling can strain your relationships with loved ones. You might become secretive, lie about your gambling, or withdraw from your family and friends. These behaviours can lead to conflict, mistrust, and even the breakdown of relationships. Financial difficulties caused by gambling can also put a strain on your relationships.
Increased Risk-Taking
Problem gamblers often exhibit increased risk-taking behaviour in other areas of their lives. This could include reckless driving, substance abuse, or engaging in other dangerous activities. This heightened risk-taking can be a symptom of the underlying impulsivity and lack of control associated with problem gambling.
What to Do If You See These Signs in Yourself
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself, don’t panic. The first step is acknowledging the problem. Then, take action!
- Talk to Someone: Share your concerns with a trusted friend, family member, or a professional counsellor. Talking about your problem is a crucial step towards recovery.
- Seek Professional Help: Consider contacting a gambling helpline or a therapist specializing in problem gambling. They can provide support, guidance, and strategies for managing your gambling behaviour. In New Zealand, you can contact the Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand or the Gambling Helpline.
- Set Limits: If you’re not ready to stop gambling completely, set strict limits on how much time and money you spend. Use budgeting tools, set deposit limits with online casinos, and stick to your limits.
- Self-Exclude: Many online casinos and gambling platforms offer self-exclusion options. This allows you to block yourself from accessing their services for a specific period.
- Find Alternative Activities: Replace gambling with other enjoyable activities. Explore new hobbies, spend time with friends and family, or engage in physical exercise. This can help distract you from the urge to gamble.
- Manage Your Finances: Seek financial counselling to help manage your debts and create a budget. This will help you regain control of your finances.
Wrapping Up: Stay Safe and Have Fun!
Recognising the signs of problem gambling is the first step towards maintaining a healthy relationship with gambling. Remember, gambling should be a form of entertainment, not a way to escape your problems or make money quickly. If you’re concerned about your gambling habits, don’t hesitate to seek help. There are resources available in New Zealand to support you on your journey. Stay safe, have fun, and enjoy the thrill of the game responsibly!
