From RNZ · RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa · · 1m 10s
Former gambler wants all online ads banned
Former gambler urges regulators to ban gambling ads to prevent relapse.
In brief
Former gambler urges regulators to ban gambling ads to prevent relapse. A former problem gambler says online gambling ads trigger relapse and calls for a ban on all gambling advertisements. Originally reported by RNZ.
Jack's gambling addiction
Jack fell into gambling after seeing an ad for free spins and lost everything.
“I saw an ad for some free spins, went through that and won a little bit. Spent that, so I signed up and put some more money in, and I won big.”
Addiction spirals
Jack's gambling addiction spiraled with his drug use, keeping him up for days.
“I knew it was a problem, but I kept doing it.”
Recovery challenges
Jack faces constant ads and emails trying to lure him back into gambling.
“I still see plenty of ads online. I always see a plug here and there on Instagram, I still get dozens of emails each day.”
Regulators' concerns
Problem Gambling Foundation director Andree Froude says current regulations haven't kept up with online gambling changes.
“Unfortunately our regulation hasn't kept up with the changes that have happened.”
Illegal ads problem
Illegal overseas gambling sites target students with guerrilla marketing tactics near universities.
“It's almost like guerrilla marketing, where obviously they're hoping people will Google it.”
Ban gambling ads
Problem Gambling Foundation wants all gambling ads banned to prevent relapse.
“It's really probably nigh on impossible because there are so many sources, so many gaps in the floorboards that let the mice in.”
Jack supports ban
Jack agrees gambling ads should be banned to prevent relapse during recovery.
“The adverts, the inducements, the excitement and allure is definitely going to drag people back in.”
TAB's stance
TAB says regulated gambling is safer than illegal sites with harm minimisation tools.
“Those who want to bet on racing and sport are safer doing so with the regulated local operator.”
New regulations coming
In 2027, up to 15 online casinos will be licensed to operate and advertise in New Zealand.
“They would be subject to strict rules, but Jack worried the new sites, ads and sponsorships would make it impossible for recovering gamblers to avoid their triggers.”
The key point
A former problem gambler says online gambling ads trigger relapse and calls for a ban on all gambling advertisements.
