Why should you be concerned?
People you come across as part of your work may have problem gambling issues. Problem gambling is often hidden, but the impact on individuals, families and communities is significant and widespread. So it’s really important to understand how you can help.
What is problem gambling?
Gambling is meant to be fun and social. But it can easily become a problem.
Problem gambling is when a person’s gambling is starting to cause any type of harm to them or to others. For example, if the gambling is starting to cause some emotional stress, financial strains, or problems with relationships.
How does problem gambling relate to other health issues?
You may come across people in your work whose problems are related to problem gambling. For example:
- Around 30 percent of people with drug or alcohol problems also have gambling problems
- Many people seeking financial support or budgeting advice will be struggling financially because of their gambling
- Problem gambling can have significant effects on a person’s health, and the wellbeing of their family.
Is problem gambling similar to other addictions?
It's important to understand that people who have a gambling problem can experience strong physical reactions similar to other addictions. They can have highs similar to those experienced by drug users, and strong urges to gamble relating to their physical longing for the 'high'.
Gambling activities, such as playing the pokie machines, are designed by psychologists to entice the players, make them feel that they have almost won or that they can influence the outcome of the game. This can encourage people to play more often or spend more time and money than they can afford. Ultimately, this can lead to a gambling problem.
How common is problem gambling?
For many of us, gambling is an enjoyable activity and we do not experience any direct problems. While the actual number of problem gamblers is not known, it is thought that between 10,000 and 60,000 New Zealand adults have a gambling problem. And it is estimated that for every problem gambler, seven other people are negatively affected.
Who is likely to become a problem gambler?
Problem gamblers come from all walks of life. And they gamble for all sorts of reasons - to escape the stress of their jobs, to get a break from the kids or to try to win money. However, some generalisations can be made:
- People living in poorer neighbourhoods are at much higher risk of becoming problem gamblers. This is partly due to the higher concentration in these areas of gambling venues, such as TABs and pokies.
- One in five regular pokie machine players is likely to be a problem gambler.
- Maori and Pacific peoples are more likely to be problem gamblers, or to suffer from gambling harm.
- Women are more likely than men to have a gambling problem as a result of playing the pokies.
- Around 30 percent of people who experience drug or alcohol problems also have gambling problems.