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 are some New Zealanders who find the very nature of casino games to be highly addictive. A gambling addiction can easily get out of control with affected players chasing their losses or betting beyond their financial means.

There are enough Kiwis who struggle with compulsive gambling and have a hard time controlling their gambling impulses, leading to both personal and financial problems if left unresolved. This Preventing Gambling Addiction guide is to address this particular group of players that feels uncomfortable about their gambling impulses.

best-online-casino-reviews.com promotes responsible gaming only, we share our findings and tips with other New Zealanders who share a common interest in online gambling. We believe it is crucial to practise responsible betting whilst gambling online so that you can easily avoid the dangers of addiction and financial loss. In this article, we will discuss some easy-to-implement tips and strategies for responsible betting in online casinos.

What Is Responsible Play?

Responsible Gaming is an umbrella term used to describe the different initiatives at gambling venues or online gambling sites that are put in place to protect players from potentially harmful problem gambling behaviour. 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 Budget

The first and probably most important step in responsible gambling is setting 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 this predetermined budget and do not exceed it at any point — even if you think you have an increased chance of winning. 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.

Don’t Chase Losses

Chasing losses is one of the biggest though common mistakes made by gaming enthusiasts. Trying to win back lost money is a foolproof way to dig yourself into a deeper hole. Instead, accept the loss and move on. You’re not the only one who loses and the chances of making a loss are bigger than that of winning. Remember that online play should be considered a form of entertainment, and that losing is part of the experience. Don’t let your emotions get the best of you and push you towards irrational decisions.

Take Frequent Breaks

It’s easy to get carried away while playing online casino games, especially when you’re on a winning streak. However, taking regular breaks can help you maintain peace of mind and prevent impulsive behaviour. Make sure to take breaks at regular intervals and use this time to reflect on your gambling session, review your budget, and eventually disconnect.

Understand The Rules

Before starting with any game of chance, it is crucial to understand the rules and odds of the game. This knowledge can help you make well-informed decisions and improve your chances of winning. Take enough time to analyse the casino games you’re interested in and learn about their return to player, maximum potential wins, and tactics. Understanding the rules of the game also helps you avoid making mistakes that could lead to losses.

Limit Your Time

It’s easy to lose track of time when you’re engaged in an online casino game. Setting a time limit for your gaming sessions can help you avoid spending too much time and money on gambling. Decide how long you want to play online, set an alarm, and stick to it. Most licensed online casinos give you the option to set these limits in your account settings. 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.

Take Advantage of Responsible Gaming Tools

Many online casino websites offer responsible gambling tools to help players control their gambling habits. These tools typically consist of deposit limits, loss limits, self-exclusion options, and also session time limits. We recommend sticking to online casino websites that work with tools and avoiding those that don’t. In addition to the tools, most casinos:

• Provide resources, including educational information about gambling responsibly and websites or phone numbers for those that may be struggling with gambling problems.
• All legal online gambling companies will have a responsible gaming landing page explaining their policy as a core part of what they do and who they are.

Regulators are also important advocates of responsible gaming and offer services to help players who might be showing signs of addiction. 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.

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, gambling in any form should be a form of entertainment, not a source of financial distress or addiction. Best Online Casino Reviews stands for responsible gaming at all times.

References

• https://www.gamcare.org.uk/news-and-blog/blog/what-is-responsible-gambling/