Responsible gambling in New Zealand

The game is an ancient entertainment medium, the history of which is tied to the origin of mankind. Our competitive nature and the need to take risks were the necessary impulses for the emergence of betting. This desire can also be the gateway for addiction to set in and bring with it quite common problems among bettors.
In addition to the rapid loss of money, gambling can be harmful to the mental and physical health of those affected by the disease. For this reason, it is important to always keep your guard up and adopt some attitudes that aim to prevent this disorder. We need to remember that this is a kind of entertainment, and not a financial investment.
In fact, some lucky ones manage to get big prizes constantly and use very specific strategies for frequent wins. Casino customers should remember that life can get very complicated with overspending. No one comes to a table thinking about losing, or dealing with the frustrations of defeat. Next, we will know some ways in which it is possible to recognize the problem, to be able to keep control of desires. And to those who are already going through the situation, let's give the indications of how to receive the necessary help.

What is responsible gambling

Responsible gambling is the term that applies to both the casino and the player. In relation to individuals, it means the commitment to assume the behavior related to the game. Among the main precepts related to this attitude, we have some highlighted:

• Keep track of the time and money that is spent on the activity;
• Consider the bet as a means of fun, and not an investment with the aim of making a profit;
• Know how much you can spend just bet what you can lose;
• Understand the odds and accept the possibilities;
• The House will always have the upper hand, whatever modality it has chosen;
• Chasing losses is the worst strategy. This only brings even greater losses. In case of defeat, do not continue playing. Stop immediately!

Providers should have a responsibility to provide a secure environment and make information fairly transparent. Verification processes help them identify and prevent minors from accessing the sites. Measures such as self-exclusion features, and deposit limits help to escape problem gambling.
New Zealand does not yet have legislation regulating the presence of online casinos . Therefore, it is essential to seek recommended and properly regulated companies. They offer optimal features and a host of tools that make addiction difficult. Perhaps many have not yet realized the importance of seeking knowledge on this topic. Avoiding the disorder is much more practical than dealing with all the dilemmas related to addiction. It affects not only financially, but emotionally and even physically.

How to recognize the problem

Addiction is characterized by the desire to play continuously, despite the negative impact on the user's life. It can be caused mainly by stress related to the difficult moment in a person's life, as well as by a personality prone to this type of behavior. Some visible signs are:

• Inability to control impulses to spend on gambling, even when the probability of winning is very low;
• Excessive preoccupation with matches and loss of interest in other daily activities;
• Increase the amount of bets to recover losses;
• Negative impact on socialization. The user often ignores family responsibilities;
• Physical symptoms such as stomach pain, irritability, headache and stress-related signs are very common in this condition;
• Deny that there is a problem and avoid any kind of help or advice.

If you know someone who is going through this type of difficulty, it is important to offer support. It is not always easy to notice the addiction, often the bettor can only identify it late.

You lose a lot of money or the game consumes your mind

Problem gamblers are more likely to develop stress-related disorders. Insomnia, lack of appetite and exaggerated anxiety go hand in hand and this condition worsens if there is no necessary follow-up.
The game can be used as a way to cope with difficult life situations. Obsessive thinking about betting, profits and everything that surrounds this market means that it is affecting the user much more than it should. The intermittent reinforcement of departures generates even more needs to make profits.
The impact of these ups and downs can alter brain chemistry. Feeling of loss and despair after good results in a row, lead to greater desires to try to play to win. This reward system is affected causing cycles of inappropriate behavior. The good news is that this condition is reversible if there is the necessary follow-up. Brain chemistry can be rebalanced, and everyday life restructures when the right support is offered.

You feel bad or sleep badly

The desire to play happens because the brain realizes that this is an easy way to get some excitement. The memory attached to the game can be triggered by a trigger, which immediately causes obsessive thinking. It is not abnormal to have these sensations, but it turns into a dilemma when the situation is extreme and lasting.
Emotional withdrawal symptoms also generate physical symptoms that include sweating, headache, rapid heartbeat, muscle aches, difficulty breathing, nausea, and tremors. Insomnia is a disorder that appears in such cases, and this is a fairly common problem.
The damage caused by the game, is not restricted to financial difficulties as you can see. It affects self-esteem, relationships, and even mental and physical health. The feeling of guilt is also very common, but there are many things that can be done to repair the relationships, finances and the total command of the life of those who suffer from this situation.

How can I keep track?

Once the player is aware of the situation, they may feel guilty or ashamed. These sensations cause great stress and will prompt you to play even more. Instead, it is necessary to shift focus and set new goals and strategies.
Most people feel an impulse after trying to stop or reduce gambling, especially at the beginning of this process. Learning to tolerate discomfort will help you maintain as much control as possible. Planning activities that will keep you busy instead of gambling is a simple and efficient tip. Other important information may be useful for your stay:

• Before entering a gaming site, we need to know the rules of each modality we want to bet on.
• Do not drink while playing;
• Take constant breaks, as, this will deprive you of silly mistakes;
• Do not borrow money or use a credit card. Prefer electronic wallets or other means of payment that do not mix with your money for personal use.
• Do not chase losses.

Self-control is the key to staying happy in this kind of entertainment. Gambling can be a lot of fun, but it's best to have realistic expectations for profits. The advantage is always the house and even the professional bettor suffers big losses. Accepting this fact is the main step to enjoying the fun in the best way.
Set budget, deadlines and priorities
When we start playing in a casino it is easy to get carried away by the potential to win many matches and win a large sum of money. Forgetting fundamental aspects such as efficient banking management can lead you to failure. With this in mind, let's give you some tips to avoid this situation.

• Set the limits and firmly follow the purpose of not spending more than set. Separate what can be spent on leisure from priority accounts.
• Use only your money. The results of the matches are unpredictable, and you can hit a big jackpot or suffer a huge loss.
• Know how much you will bet on each match. To keep pace, it is important to divide the balance by the value of the rounds.
• Tempers can flare and having self-control is essential to avoid spending. Thus, irrational decisions are avoided.

All this information helps to maintain control over the Bankroll. Any pattern of behavior that changes and diverts you from your fun goals are more visible when we follow the tips.

Responsible gaming tips

When talking about playing responsibly, we think that it is easy to have control of emotions and impulses. This may be really simple for some, but for others it means a very difficult step. For this reason, we must empathize with those who are suffering, and seek resources so that we do not fall into this error. Next, we are going to highlight some useful tips, especially to learn to recognize the disorder before it sets in.

• Betting should be considered a fun activity, otherwise there is no point in continuing to play.
• Those who play without knowing the Basic Rules of the chosen modality will have poor results.
• Control your balance tightly and do not go over the limit. Do not use credit cards or take out loans.
• Determine the maximum amount that is possible to bet. Plan well in advance, and even with a winning streak don't let it change that strategy.
• Do not gamble and drink at the same time. This can negatively influence your decisions.
• If you are sad, or going through a difficult time, avoid pranks. Only return to the casino when you are feeling well.

Even those who are not experiencing difficulties with addiction, will already be able to recognize the problem and even help other bettors.

Think of the casino as fun and entertainment

People who control their habits, play for fun and like the idea of winning matches. Limits are set on how much it is possible to spend for a positive playing practice. This should be a leisure activity and not a form of escapism for problem gamblers. Anyone who decides to invest in betting is making a big mistake. To begin your cycle of gaming and fun, look for a reputable and recommended casino. Bettors who are disqualified, but who are too confident in their choices, are the main candidates for the problem.
These people expect to receive a lot of money and despite not having the skills, they end up falling into the reward cycle. Making money is difficult and it is important to value entertainment above the profitability of these sites. We know that no one likes to lose, but we need to understand that it is part of the process. The bettor must recognize his limit and stop whenever he realizes that to access the casino, he will need to have amounts that are outside the amount previously established.

Bet the money you are not afraid to lose

Compulsive gamblers hate losing, yet they keep betting in order to beat the house edge at any cost. Addicted people often report that despite the accumulation of losses, gambling continues to bring them back. Motivation is not just about the chances of winning. The adrenaline and endorphins released during a match show that people are also buying into fun. Defeats are not able to curb this problem.
It is important to manage your money to keep the amounts dispensed for online matches, separate from the amount that will be spent on water bills, electricity, food, among others.

Play sober and stop after the third defeat

Drinking can have a big impact during rounds. This can lead you to make rash decisions that usually cost quite dearly. Many games basically rely on luck and influence the way betting happens. Each modality has probabilities that indicate whether the rate of Return is adequate.
Those who drink while gambling online are almost guaranteed to lose money. They go in thinking that just one more match won't hurt and it doesn't take long for all the money to run out. In addition, memory may be affected and lapses of unconsciousness may be even more damaging.
Alcohol leads to the release of dopamine, and this can bring the feeling of invincibility. The body quickly becomes addicted to this neurotransmitter and the explosion of feelings during the game. In case of 3 successive defeats, prefer to go out to rest and resume betting when you are really well. This will avoid unnecessary losses.

How Can I Seek Help?

Many programs located in other countries serve as support for users. Friends and family act as a bridge to prevent major damage that problem gambling causes.

1. Gambling Therapy: the global service brings practical advice and offers it free of charge. By talking to a consultant, you will be able to create new perspectives on the topic and they will also point you to some local resources to facilitate access to help.
2. National Council no Problem Gambling: the program aims to help people and families affected by gambling. To be considered a member, the player must make a deductible contribution.
3. Bettors Anonymous: players from all over the world, can count on the support of this group. The 12-step program for users ' recovery and control of gambling obsession. Everyone should share the difficulties to get out of the problem.
4. Gamblers Anonymous: the site offers various types of player help. From important advice and tips and face-to-face meetings with other participants. A meeting locator is also available.

Organizations that can help in New Zealand

A bill is currently being considered in the Senate that provides for the opening of the market for betting in casinos and, consequently, tighter control over online betting companies. Despite bringing a lot of profits to the country, there are also predicted risks of gambling addiction. This situation shows that there is an urgent need for measures to prevent the problem.
Recognizing the difference between normal behavior and addiction may not be so simple. For this reason Family Support is important, they must be attentive to the signs and show solidarity with the one who suffers from the disorder.
Treatment in New Zealand is mainly based on psychotherapy and consultations with a psychiatrist. Support groups are also highly recommended. Among the main options we have highlighted:

1. Gamblers Anonymous: The Fellowship is open to men and women who share their experiences in seeking to reclaim their pre-addiction lives. Everything is free and meetings are held weekly.
2. Game changer program: this is a free service that helps players build strength to get out of addiction. The program is developed by the Department of Psychiatry of the Faculty of Medicine of USP and developed by the Viver Bem Association.
3. Counseling and Assistance Program for dependents: the service is linked to the Department of Psychiatry of UNIFESP. A team will be prepared to welcome you and provide the necessary support to solve the problem.
4. Santa Casa de Misericórdia: for those who live in Rio de Janeiro, it is important to mention that Santa Casa offers free treatment for addicts. The support and guidance group is mediated by a specialist.
5. Outpatient pathological gambling program at Hospital das Clínicas: treatment is offered by USP and users must undergo a screening. The process is free and can last up to 2 years.

Frequently Asked Questions