What Is Compulsive Gambling New Zealanders have a reputation as some of the world's heaviest gamblers. Gambling, a tradition in New Zealand has gained strength over the last decade through the rapid growth and expansion of the gambling industry. For many people gambling is an enjoyable recreational activity. For some, it may be once a year on Melbourne Cup Day, but for many, it is a normal part of their week's activity. Those who have serious interest in gambling usually devote a great deal of money and time to it.
Some people find that gambling controls becomes a serious problem which they are unable to control.
Compulsive gambling is recognised as a mental disorder, and is characterised by a chronic and progressive failure to resist the impulse to gamble. It involves gambling behaviour that comprises, disrupts or damages personal, family, or vocational pursuits. It is known to increase during times of stress, and can lead to problems such as disrupted family relationships, inattention to work, financial crises and criminal activity in order to obtain money. These problems in turn lead to a further intensification of the gambling behaviour. Compulsive gamblers often believe that money causes, and at the same time is the solution to all their problems.