Have a Gambling Problem? Here Is the Complete List of Helpful Resources to Reach

Gambling addiction might be a serious issue, but there is always a way out. If you are experiencing gambling problems or want to support someone you love, here is the list of resources and help centres you can reach to get information and professional help.

Stay in Control

It’s much easier to prevent gambling addiction than to treat it, so it’s important to follow several simple rules and practice gaming hygiene.

If you need more information about gambling addiction or think of getting help, look for it here:

Treat Addiction

The first step to fighting a problem is to detect it. Here is the list of gambling addiction symptoms — look at them and count how many you can check.

1. It’s hard for you to stop gambling or even to take a break;
2. You borrow money to spend on betting;
3. You keep your gambling activities in secret;
4. All or almost all of your friends are gamblers;
5. You bet more money than you can afford;
6. You are experiencing fear, anxiety, and stress caused by gambling;
7. You need to increase the amount you bet constantly;
8. Making bets is the only thing you want to do in your free time;
9. You lose a lot of money and try to win it back;
10. You have family conflicts related to your gambling activities.

In case even one of these points is relatable for you, it might be time to get professional help:

Stay Alive

In serious cases, gambling addiction can lead to suicide. If you or someone you know are having suicidal thoughts, please visit one of the following suicide prevention resources. Remember: you are not alone, and there is always someone to help you, you just need to ask.

Manage Your Debts

Gambling addiction not only affects your mental health and family relationships, but it can also significantly worsen your financial situation as compulsive gamblers are prone to borrowing money and quickly getting in debt. If you need help with your debt burden, make sure to contact one of the following resources to get assistance:

Stop Gambling

According to New Zealand laws, any person can get excluded from gambling venues which means you’ll not be allowed to enter any casino in the country until the self-exclusion term runs out. It might sound harsh, but sometimes, it’s the only way to keep yourself from betting. If you are considering a self-exclusion option, either from offline or online casinos, please contact these organisations to get information and assistance:

Gambling Addiction — Popular Myths

Gambling addiction is surrounded by myths, which makes it harder to detect and treat. As a result, compulsive gamblers tend to get help much later than those suffering from other addictions. Here are five popular myths about gambling addiction, busted and destroyed.

🔔 Myth 1. “I don’t look like a compulsive gambler, so I’m not an addict. ”

Truth: Problem gamblers are not some zombies wandering around in search of a casino. It can be your husband, your wife, your friend, or even your grandma, and you’ll never know it as people with gambling addiction are prone to concealing their destructive hobby.

🔔 Myth 2. “I have enough money to spend on bets, so I’m not an addict.”

Truth: Being rich will only save you from the financial consequences of problem gambling, at least up to a point. But money won’t help you avoid social and mental problems connected with gambling addiction.

🔔 Myth 3. “I don’t play every day, so I’m not an addict. ”

Truth: Actually, it’s not about how often you bet, it’s about how you feel when you bet and how your life looks like outside of gambling. If you are betting once in a while to have fun or win some money — it’s totally fine. If gambling drags financial and mental problems, or you are feeling constant guilt for making bets — it’s a bad sign.

🔔 Myth 4. “I’m not the one to blame for being a problem gambler.”

Truth: Problem gamblers often shift the blame on their family, spouse, or friends. If you can’t take the blame and accept the consequences, it can be another sign of potential gambling addiction.

🔔 Myth 5. “I can win all the money back, I just need to play more.”

Truth: Your chances of winning don’t really differ throughout the gaming process as RTP of games is a stable number. A big win might come one day, but it will be inevitably followed by a big loss.

Get help now!

The earlier you recognize the problem, the easier it’s to deal with. So if you think that you or someone you know might be dealing with compulsive gambling, it’s better to seek help immediately. Remember, problem gambling is a widespread issue, and there is nothing to be ashamed of — you are not alone in this, and coming back to the normal life is easier than you think.