Preventing Gambling Addiction: A Guide to Responsible Online Pokies Play
Whilst moderate gambling is not a problem for the majority of players who are registered at online casinos, there is an increasing number of New Zealanders who find casino games to be addictive. This Preventing Gambling Addiction guide is to address this particular group of players that feels uncomfortable about their gambling impulses.
KiwiGambler.co.nz promotes responsible gaming only, we share our findings and tips with other New Zealanders who share a common interest in online gambling. In this article about gambling addiction prevention, we will therefore discuss some easy-to-implement tips and strategies for responsible gambling. This guide is written for online players, but can be consulted by people who prefer land-based gambling.
Table of Contents
What Is Responsible Play?
In its base, ‘responsible gambling’ means being able to gamble without putting yourself, or other people, at risk of harm. Responsible gambling is also referred to as “responsible play” or “responsible gaming”. The different initiatives can be divided into some key factors:
- Financial: spend what you can afford.
- Self-control: set your limits for time and money.
- Mental health: gambling is not the answer to problems.
- Mental health: gambling when upset is not recommended.
- Relationship: gambling should not interfere with personal relationships.
Whilst many New Zealanders do gamble safely, gambling will cause serious harm for some people, and there are different ways in which this harm can occur. Common harms are financial problems, relationship problems and mental health impacts like anxiety, stress and depression arising as a consequence of gambling-related activities.
How To Play Pokies Responsibly
Gambling can be done in a moderate and responsible way as long as you stick to a few important guidelines. Below, we have listed these so you can control your behaviour:
Set A Predefined Budget
The first and most important step when it comes to making online wagers is to set a fixed budget. Determine how much money at real money casinos you can afford to lose without affecting your financial stability and set this aside. Stick to the predetermined budget and do not exceed it at any point — even if you reckon you have bigger chances of making a win. Online casino sites offer a variety of casino games, including pokies, table games, and live dealer titles, so it’s crucial to set your budget accordingly as these games are known to be very thrilling.
Understand The Rules
Before starting with any game of chance, it is crucial to understand the rules and odds of the game as this can help you make well-informed decisions and improve your chances of winning, especially when it considers table games. Therefore, take enough time to analyse the casino games you’re interested in and learn about their rules, return to player (RTP), max potential wins, and tactics. Understanding the rules also helps you avoid making mistakes that can turn out to be financial mistakes
Take Frequent Breaks
True, it is fairly easy to get carried away whilst playing fast-paced online casino games, especially if you’ve made a few wins. This is when it becomes risky because everything in gambling that is fast-paced should be approached with caution. Taking frequent breaks is one way to do this. Ensure to do this as you can’t set automatic breaks in your account. You’ll need to force yourself into regular breaks. Just drink loads of water whilst playing and you’ll need to go to the loo every now and then.
Do Not Chase Losses, Ever
Chasing losses is probably one of the most common mistakes made by punters. Trying to win back lost money is the worst decision you could make when gambling. If this happens just accept the loss and go on with your life, although we’re aware that this might sound easier than it is. You’re not the only one who loses and the chances of making a loss are bigger than that of winning. Remember that gambling should be considered a form of entertainment, and that losing is part of the experience, especially if you see it as a learning curve. Don’t let your emotions get in your way and push you towards decisions that are based on emotions.
Set Time Limits
Most licensed online casinos give you the option to set the time limits in your account settings which are clearly meant to lower one’s time spent on a gambling set and creating awareness about the time dedicated to gambling. Some land-based casino venues also give you a chance to set max session limits by having employees that are expected to keep an eye out for players who play too long.
Go Through The Responsible Play Tools
Most online casino sites work with responsible gaming tools which help players in need to control their gambling behaviour. Although these tools can be casino specific they do tend to cover the same sorts of limits, typically deposit limits, time limits and loss limits whilst they also provide options for self-exclusion or temporary pauses. We recommend sticking to online casino websites that work with tools and avoiding those that don’t. In addition to the tools, most casinos:
- Give players helpful information, which can include anything from educational information about gambling responsibly to third party website addresses or phone numbers.
- Legalised gambling operators typically have a responsible gaming page that explains their policy and the tools used as part of combatting problematic gambling behavioural patterns.
As online gambling is not regulated in the country of New Zealand this task is performed by the regulator that has issued the licence for the gambling company. In most cases, this concerns a licence from a member country of the European Union. Only offshore online casinos are allowed in New Zealand.
Opt For Self-Exclusion
Self-exclusion is another effective way to stop your gambling activities. This can be done by opting for self-exclusion which should be available in your account. Alternatively, you can also contact the help desk of the online casino you’re signed up to let them do this for you. We have the same thoughts about the self-exclusion tool as with the other tools; if a casino does not allow players to self-exclude, the website should be avoided.
Seek Help, If Needed
If you feel like you’re struggling with problem gambling yourself, you need to seek help as soon as possible. Most online pokie sites have various resources and support options available for players who require assistance, but you can also seek help from a support group or a professional counsellor. These are available internationally, but also locally.
Responsible Gambling & Addiction Help
If you are concerned about your own gambling activities, having a conversation about it can make a huge difference. The same holds true if you’re concerned about someone else. Kiwis have the following options if they want to turn to responsible gambling help.
- Gambling Helpline: the Gambling Helpline is a 24-hour freephone service that you can call to get immediate support for gambling addiction, fully anonymous. Gambling Helpline offers 4 specialist services; Māori Gambling Helpline, Pasifika Gambling Helpline, Youth Gambling Helpline, and Debt Gambling Helpline.
- The Salvation Army Oasis: at The Salvation Army Oasis, skilled experts welcome Kiwis of all genders, cultures, and religions who are concerned about gambling harm. Family and whānau are also welcome. Support for those impacted by gambling harm is available by telephone, email, and video streams.
- Regional Facilities: for a regional overview of the institutions available in New Zealand, we recommend you to visit the co.nz website.
Always remember that online or offline gambling needs to be seen as entertainment only and not as a way to gain financial income. KiwiGambler stands for responsible gaming at all times.
