Definition of problem gamblingThe Ministry of Health defines problem gambling as patterns of gambling behaviour that compromise, disrupt or damage health, personal, family or vocational pursuits.

The Gambling Act 2003 defines a problem gambler as a person whose gambling causes harm or may cause harm.

Signs of problem gambling• Preoccupied with

gambling• Increased gambling

to achieve desired excitement

• Unsuccessful attempts to stop

• Irritable trying to cut down or stop

• Gambles to escape negative mood

• Chases losses• Lies to cover

gambling• Criminal acts to

support gambling• Lost jobs or

relationships from gambling

• Relies on bailouts

Cost of problem gambling Harm caused by gambling includes:

• Relationship breakdown

• Financial ruin

• Crime

• Domestic violence, child abuse or neglect

• Poverty

• Suicide

Problem Gambling and its effect on the partner/ family member

•After having found out about the problem gambling of their partner, Affected Others often describe feelings of anger, betrayal, loss of trust, frustration, hopelessness, loss of financial security, anxiety, shame, guilt, depression and a need to cover up their partner’s actions.

•Affected Others often feel a need to control the finances and a need to know at all times where their partner is.

Problem Gambling and its effect on relationships

•The loss of trust is often long lasting or permanently damaged.

•Divorce rates are high.

•Arguments frequently occur over gambling and the money lost on gambling. The Problem Gambler may attempt to forcefully get money from their partner if the partner is controlling the money.

•Relationship dynamics may change from equal partners to a more parent-child relationship where the finances and daily activities are controlled by one person and the Problem Gambler has to be accountable to. This situation can provide problems for both parties.

What this means for children and young people

• The harm done to the children of problem gamblers can be particularly severe and long-lasting.

• The impact of depression and anxiety, suicidality, financial indebtedness, criminality, family disharmony and separation, poor physical and mental health, family violence, household stress, all have a significant and lasting impact on children.

• Children and young people have been reported to experience the same feelings as described for adult family members of Problem Gamblers: feelings of anger, betrayal, loss of trust, frustration, hopelessness, anxiety, shame, depression.

Children and young people may need to cope with:

• Home and school changes

• Broken promises

• Having to hide pocket money or their money being “borrowed”

• Changed and unpredictable behaviour of the Problem Gambler and the other parent

• Loss of a parent due to separation, suicide or incarceration

• Children with parents who have a gambling problem are more likely to become problem gamblers themselves.

• 12.4% of significant others of problem gamblers seeking counselling in New Zealand are under 20 years of age.

• A young person growing up in a poorer area has 6 times as many pokie machines in their community and four times more likely to become a problem gambler in future than a young person in a well-off community.

Problem gambling in New Zealand

• A 2008 study found that over 74,000 New Zealanders suffer from inferior mental health because of gambling.1

• It also found that 10,000 New Zealanders engaged in illegal activities over the previous year due to their gambling.1

• As much as 37% of foodbank clients either had a gambling problem or were affected by the gambling of others. Approximately ¾ of those clients have children directly affected by shortages due to gambling.2

• The number of women problem gamblers has nearly doubled since 2005. In 2010/11 they made up 48.4% of full

intervention clients.³Sources:1 SHORE (2008). Assessment of the social impacts of gambling in New Zealand 2 Wynd, D (2005). Hard to swallow: Foodbank use in New Zealand.3 Ministry of Health (2012). Problem Gambling Service user data

Primary gambling mode of intervention clients, 2010/2011

Source: Ministry of Health (2012). Problem Gambling Service user data.

Gambling stats for Lower Hutt, Upper Hutt and Wellington City

• Number of Lower Hutt venues: 38• Lower Hutt pokie machine numbers: 545• Money lost in Lower Hutt (2012): $ 26,688,533

• Number of Wellington City venues: 47• Wellington City pokie machine numbers: 703• Money lost in Wellington City (2012): $ 38,844,546

• Number of Upper Hutt venues: 10• Upper Hutt pokie machine numbers: 148• Money lost in Upper Hutt (2012): $ 8,876,473

Lie-Bet Screening tool

The Lie-Bet Screening tool consists of two questions. The two questions were selected from the DSM-IV criteria for pathological gambling because they were identified as the best predictors of pathological gambling.

By asking those two questions people may be able to admit to having a problem and/ or may start thinking about their gambling behaviour.

These screening questions are MOH endorsed in NZ.

A “yes” to either of these questions means you should make a referral for further assessment.

Lie-Bet screening questions

• Have you ever felt the need to bet more and more money?

• Have you ever had to lie to people about how much you gambled?

Every child deserves to grow up in a healthy community free from gambling harm.

The Foundation is committed to health promotion that contributes to safer gambling practices through community education and the development of regulations and standards. Counselling is free of charge to the gambler, their family and others affected by problem gambling.

Building healthy communities together, free from gambling harm

Early Interventions you can do

• Seek the advice of a budget advisor – do not lend money• Self-exclusion from gambling venues – TAB, Pokies, Casino,

Internet sites or blocking software• Visit and report non-compliant venues in your area to DIA• Encourage telling trustworthy family and support people• Build confidence to participate in healthy activities – exercise,

hobbies, volunteer work, sports• Referral to a specialist service – accommodation, job seeking,

relationship problems, family problems, food parcels• Refer to a problem-gambling counsellor

• PGF, with over 60 staff, is the largest single treatment provider for problem gambling in Australasia.

• Free, professional and confidential counselling services throughout New Zealand

• Asian Family Services: Cantonese, Mandarin, Korean, Vietnamese and Thai.

• Mapu Maia: Pasifika Team.

• Multi-cultural Health Promotion team.

PGF in New ZealandThe Problem Gambling Foundation

www.pgfnz.org.nz facebook.com/pgfnz @pgfnz