Safer Gambling Aotearoa

You can find Safer Gambling Aotearoa service locations in:

• Northland
• Auckland
• Hamilton
• Tauranga
• Rotorua
• Hawkes Bay
• New Plymouth
• Palmerston North and Whanganui
• Masterton
• Porirua / Kapiti
• Wellington
• Levin
• Nelson / Tasman / Marlborough
• Christchurch
• Invercargill

Please note that due to recent events, many in-person meetings have transitioned to video-streaming sessions. You can join these by visiting: https://www.salvationarmy.org.nz/get-help/gambling-support/.

What You Can Expect From Face-to-Face Support

At Safer Gambling Aotearoa, we offer various forms of free face-to-face support, including specialized services for Māori, Pacific, and Asian communities. In these sessions, you'll discuss your personal situation with a counselor.

The initial session typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. During this time, your counselor will gather background information about you and your current life circumstances. You may also complete a confidential questionnaire to help guide your recovery process. Subsequent sessions last about 50 minutes and are also free of charge.

Gambling Addiction Educational Resources

Beyond service centers, Safer Gambling Aotearoa provides a wide range of gambling addiction educational resources. These comprehensive guides explain the odds of pokies, table games, and other gambling forms, how lottery draws work, and the differences between gaming and gambling.

On the Safer Gambling website, you will find calculators and visual tools showing how much you spend on gambling per day, week, month, or year, and what that amount could have bought instead.

Safer Gambling Aotearoa also offers a gambling quiz on its website. This quiz helps determine if your gambling—or someone else's—is becoming problematic. It takes just 2 minutes, is completely anonymous, and provides instant results.

Gambling Addiction Helpline

If you're in urgent need of gambling addiction counseling, call the Gambling Helpline 24/7, even on weekends and holidays, at 0800 654 655 or text 8006. Alternatively, email info@gamblinghelpline.co.nz.

Safer Gambling Aotearoa has multilingual support staff available to discuss gambling issues for yourself or others. They can refer you to local Gamblers Anonymous meetings, your general practitioner, or provide ongoing phone support. You can also remain anonymous during phone calls if preferred.

Knowing the Signs of Gambling Addiction

On the Safer Gambling website, detailed information is available about the signs of gambling addiction. According to Safer Gambling Aotearoa and HPA Te Hiringa Hauora, these include:

• Chasing Losses - Trying to win back lost money by gambling more.
• Hiding Gambling - Concealing gambling activities from others.
• Feeling Guilty About Gambling - Experiencing guilt due to gambling.
• Losing Track of Time - Gambling to the point where time passes unnoticed.
• Spending More on Gambling Than Intended - Exceeding planned budgets.
• Gambling Due to Stress or Loneliness - Using gambling to cope with emotions.
• Borrowing Money - Taking loans without disclosing the true purpose.
• Losing Interest in Other Activities - Constantly thinking about gambling.

If you recognize any of these signs, contact the Safer Gambling Helpline as soon as possible for support.

Real-Life Stories of Gambling Addicts

If you're unsure about the impact of gambling addiction, explore real-life stories from former addicts on the Safer Gambling website. Examples include:

• Gabriel - Misused gambling to escape life responsibilities.
• Katoni - Shares how gamblers can reduce gambling without quitting entirely.
• Nicole - Reflects on growing up with a gambling father.
• Shirley - Describes how budgeting services help problem gamblers.
• Posese - Talks about gambling's impact on his life and family.