Controlling gambling

COVID-19

You’ve had a break from gambling at the pokies or TAB for more than 40 days – that’s a great achievement!

You might be feeling anxious or worried coming out of lockdown? These feelings are all OK, and normal.

There are simple things you can do to keep gambling safe for you and your whānau after lockdown, and there are free local services to help you with this too.

If you’ve enjoyed the break from gambling and are keen to ‘lock in those gains’, it’s important to make a plan – your free local services can help you with this, and share ideas for getting through:

  • Make a goal, whether it’s setting a limit on time and money spent, or staying away from gambling venues. Sharing your goal with trusted whānau and friends can help you stay on track.

  • Remember how far you’ve come. Continue to do the fun things that worked for you and your whānau during lockdown – connecting with each other, your culture and your environment.

  • You can also keep your break from gambling going by excluding yourself from a gambling venue – you can do this with the venue directly, or you can contact a free local service to help you.​​​​

Staying in control

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem or you're worried that one might be developing, we have a few tips to bring it into line.

Find out ways to moderate gambling

Keeping busy

Keeping busy with other activities could be just what is needed to get away from a harmful gambling habit. Here are a few things to do instead of gambling that are fun, productive and many that don't cost a thing!

Get busy now!

Sharing and talking

If you are worried about your gambling, it's a great idea to share that concern with someone. Your friends and family may already be worried that something is causing problems and may even know it's gambling.

Talk with someone