Gambling can start out as fun, but there is a point for everyone where it can become ‘unfun’. Gambling harm can escalate quickly, damaging relationships, whānau, finances and hopes for the future.

This Gambling Harm Awareness Week we encourage you to take time out from gambling, and put time into whānau. Evidence shows that spending time with a loved one and sharing rewarding activities together (like going for a walk together, or sharing kai) is a practical way to distract you from gambling and help to beat gambling harm. 

Gambling Harm Awareness Week is also a good time to take our quiz to see whether your gambling is still just for fun. If your gambling is starting to become unfun, there are heaps of ways to get help!. The Gambling Helpline team can be contacted for free anytime 24/7. There are also free face-to-face help and support services available in your local community.

Free family-friendly events near you:

We will be updating this section with events being held around the country for Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2019 – check back soon!. Or visit the Choice Not Chance Facebook page for more information.

Pause the pokies – make time for whānau

This year PGF Services is running an initiative called Pause the Pokies which invites gambling venues to turn off their pokie machines for one hour during Gambling Harm Awareness Week.

Pause the Pokies gives gambling venues an opportunity to stand in solidarity with individuals, families and the community around the issue of gambling harm. It is hoped that this small interruption will cause gamblers to pause, reflect and seek help and support from free, local and confidential face-to-face support services.

For information on how to get involved go to the PGF Services website.