HealthInfo Canterbury
Gambling problems
Ngā wara petipeti
For many people, gambling is harmless and fun, and just another way to relax. But for some people, gambling can become an addiction. And when it becomes an addiction, the cost of the gambling can become too great.
A person may have a gambling problem when they keep gambling despite being aware of negative outcomes in their life. This usually means the gambling is causing conflict with a spouse, with friends or at work. It might mean the person is running up debts that make managing their or their family's needs very difficult. They might be borrowing money to gamble, or even stealing money.
Despite knowing about these harmful outcomes, a person with a gambling addiction:
- can't control their behaviour
- feels driven to gamble
- can't stop
- thinks about gambling constantly.
A gambling addiction can gradually take over a person’s life. It can destroy their reputation, their relationships and their financial security. What may start off as a bit of fun can end up being very destructive.
If you're concerned about your gambling, the Salvation Army's quizzes can help you work out if you've got a problem. You can click the red text at the top of the page or the red button halfway down the page for a detailed quiz. For a quicker simpler quiz, scroll to the bottom of the page.
After you've got the results of the quiz, come back to this page for information about support services that you can go to for help.
If you're concerned about someone else, the Salvation Army's family & whānau quiz may help you work out if they've got a gambling problem. After you've got the results of the quiz, come back to this page for information about support services that you can go to for help.
The websites and support services below can help people recover from a gambling problem.
Gambling may be the only problem a person has. But sometimes they can also have an alcohol or other drug addiction, or mental health problems. If this is the case, you may need to see your general practice team to get more support.
Support services
- Gambling Helpline New Zealand
You can talk to telephone counsellors any time on 0800-654-655, or you can text on 8006.
- Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand
Information, factsheets, news, events and support services. If you need help, you can call them on 0800-664-262.
- Salvation Army – Gambling support
The Salvation Army Oasis provides free and confidential support, education, and counselling for those affected by gambling harm, as well as those affected by a loved one's gambling. The national freephone number is 0800‑53‑00‑00.
- Mapu Maia
Mapu Maia works with Pasifika families and communities to be healthy and resilient, free from gambling harm. Phone 0800-21-21-22 or email.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Safer Gambling Aotearoa
A Health Promotion Agency website with information, tools and videos related to problem gambling.
- Ministry of Health – Gambling harm – getting help
Gambling is meant to be a fun and social form of entertainment. It offers the player a chance of winning – but all forms of gambling are designed to pay out less than they take in. For some people, the idea and excitement of winning means gambling can easily start to cause harm.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed June 2023.
SourcesReview key: HIADG-47857
