New Year’s Resolutions for Better and Smarter Wallet Management at Canadian Online Casinos

By Thadeus Geodfrey

Welcome to a year of wiser choices and thrilling wins! As we enter 2025, let’s talk about how to level up your gaming experience by being a bit savvier with your wallet. Picture this: a year filled with strategic moves, exciting bonuses, and responsible play. How? Let’s dive into some New Year’s resolutions crafted just for you, ensuring that every spin is not just a game but a thoughtful play.

Think of these resolutions as your gaming compass, guiding you through the Canadian online casino landscape. So, before you hit those slots or try at cards, let’s pledge to make 2025 the year of brilliant choices and prosperous wins.

Discussed below are some resolutions you may want to adopt

Invest in Low Deposit Casinos

Investing in low-deposit casinos, with options like $1, $5, and $10, carries significant advantages for players, providing financial flexibility and enhanced gaming experiences.

Importance of Low Deposit Casinos:

Cost-Efficiency: Low-deposit casinos offer options like $1, $5, and $10, enabling players to engage in online gaming without substantial financial commitments.
Accessible to All: These casinos make online gaming accessible to a broader audience, accommodating players with varying budgets.
Risk Mitigation: Lower deposits reduce the risk associated with gaming, allowing players to explore platforms without significant monetary stakes.

Saving Players Money:

Budget-Friendly Options: Low-deposit casinos act as budget-friendly alternatives, ensuring players can enjoy gaming without breaking the bank.
Extended Gameplay: The affordability of these casinos allows players to boost their gaming sessions, maximizing entertainment value.
Minimized Losses: Lower deposits mitigate potential losses, providing a safer environment for players.

Value of Low Deposit Casinos:

Inclusive Gaming: Low-deposit casinos foster inclusivity, welcoming players with various budget constraints.
Diverse Player Base: The value lies in creating a diverse player base, enhancing the overall gaming community.
Positive User Experience: These casinos contribute to a positive and inclusive user experience by catering to various budgets.

Examples of Low Deposit Casinos:

Powerplay Casino for a $10 Deposit

A $10 deposit casino or more at Powerplay receives an excellent welcome package. In addition to a 100% matched deposit bonus on their first three deposits, up to $1,000 in bonuses, the deal offers up to $100 in free bets. In addition, players get 20 bonus spins for a $10 deposit or free spins after their first deposit. Players are advised to consider making a $200 deposit to take full advantage of the 200 free spins and guaranteed 100% bonus. You can read more about it in our Powerplay Casino Review.

Welcome Bonus

PowerPlay Casino

Deposit $10 Get 100% match bonus up to $1000

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Mr Fortune Casino for a $5 Deposit

At Mr Fortune, new players are greeted with an exclusive Welcome Package, offering an enticing 200% bonus up to $700 and 50 Free Spins with this $5 deposit Casino. This generous offer extends across the initial three deposits, featuring a 100% bonus up to $700 and 50 free spins on the first deposit, followed by a 50% bonus up to $300 and 60 free spins on the second, and a 50% bonus up to $500 and 70 free spins on the third. The Welcome Package is subject to specific terms, including a minimum qualifying deposit of $20 and the exclusion of Skrill, Neteller, and ecoPayz deposits. You can read more in our Mr Fortune Casino Review.

Welcome Bonus

Mr Fortune

Deposit $5 Get Up to $1,500 Welcome Bonus & 180 Free Spins

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Ruby Fortune Casino for a $1 Deposit

You only need to deposit $1 to play at Ruby Fortune; new players get 40 free spins, and a $5 deposit will elevate the experience with a fantastic 100 free spins. Not only that, but Ruby Fortune is offering double your first deposit for even more gaming fun with a whopping 100% bonus of up to $750. A seven-day grace period allows new players to use this alluring sign-up bonus after registering an account at this 1$ deposit casino. You can read more in our Ruby Fortune Casino Review.

Welcome Bonus

Ruby Fortune

Deposit $1 Get 40 Free Spins

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Always Save Some of Your Winnings

The spirit of giving and receiving is in the air during the holiday season. As you enjoy the festivities, consider adopting the New Year’s resolution to save some of your casino winnings.

Here’s why it’s a wise move that can bring you both financial satisfaction and prolonged gaming enjoyment.

The strategic saving decision allows you to enjoy the best of both worlds – celebrating the season with loved ones and ensuring you have some extra gaming capital to kick start the New Year.
Saving your winnings is like building a growing casino fund, providing financial security and a sense of accomplishment, allowing gaming excitement without straining your overall budget.
Resolving to save a portion of your winnings transforms casual gameplay into a deliberate and sustainable entertainment choice, allowing you to invest in future gaming experiences while enjoying the immediate excitement of victories.

Make Use of Bonus Codes

Unlocking bonus codes is a strategic move to stretch your gaming budget further. Players get additional funds and spins that optimize winning chances while minimizing financial expenditure. It is super important as they are strategic tools to maximize your gaming budget, allows you to get more for your money and extend your gaming sessions. It also allows you to take advantage of free spins that improves your chances of winning and the value you get.

How to Find Bonus Codes:

Here are a few places you will find the bonus codes for your games play:

Casino Promotions Page
Newsletters and Emails
Affiliate Websites and Forums
Social Media Platforms
Casino Review Sites
Live Chat Support
Special Events and Holidays
Loyalty Programs

Practice Games in Demo Mode before Playing with Real Money

Embarking on a New Year’s gaming adventure comes with the opportunity to enhance your skills and refine your strategies. One significant resolution for a successful and enjoyable 2025 is committing to practicing games in demo mode before venturing into real money play.

Here’s why adopting this resolution is smart for players looking to make the most of their online casino experience.

Risk-Free Skill Development: You get a risk-free environment to experiment with strategies, learn game rules, and fine-tune your skills.
Understanding Game Dynamics: Utilizing demo mode enables you to familiarize yourself with the dynamics of various games, whether it’s the strategies in blackjack, the patterns in slots, or the odds in roulette.
Building Confidence: The more you familiarize yourself with the gameplay, the more self-assured you become. Confidence is a crucial element in successful gambling.
Testing Strategies without Risk: The demo allows you to assess the effectiveness of your strategies without the fear of financial loss. This trial-and-error process is an essential component of developing a winning approach.

Use Responsible Gambling Tools

Responsible gambling tools are essential features that Online Casinos provide to ensure a safe and enjoyable gaming environment for players. These tools promote responsible gaming habits, prevent excessive gambling, and protect players from potential harm. Embracing these tools is not just a wise decision; it’s a meaningful New Year resolution that aligns with fostering a healthy relationship with online gambling.

It helps players set deposit limits, prevent excessive play and maintain a healthy gaming lifestyle. Self-exclusion options empower players to take a break from gambling by excluding themselves from the casino for a designated period.

Why It’s a Good New Year Resolution

Embracing responsible gambling tools as a New Year resolution signifies a commitment to starting the year with a focus on well-being and balance.

It demonstrates a commitment to your well-being, balanced entertainment, financial stability, preservation of mental health and active participation in safety. By incorporating these tools into your gaming routine, you are actively participating in creating a safer and more sustainable gambling environment for yourself.

Canadian Casinos with Responsible Gambling Tools

Here are two Canadian casinos from our best online casinos list that have these responsible gambling tools:

PlayAmo Casino

PlayAmo Casino provides players with robust, responsible gambling tools, including deposit limits, time management options, and self-exclusion features. These tools empower players to control their gaming activities and make informed choices. Read more in our PlayAmo Casino Review.

888 Casino

888 Casino, a reputable Canadian online casino, offers a range of responsible gambling tools. Players can set deposit limits, and session time restrictions and utilize self-exclusion features to foster a secure and responsible gaming experience. Read more in our 888 Casino Review.

Low House Edge Will Help You

Understanding the low house edge is crucial for successful online casino gaming. This term refers to the casino’s statistical advantage in a game, and a lower house edge means a better chance for players to win in the long run. Choosing games like blackjack, baccarat, and specific poker variations, known for their low house edges, increases players’ likelihood of higher returns.

This strategic selection allows for effective bankroll management, extending gaming sessions and elevating overall entertainment value. Games with a low house edge often involve skill and strategy, enabling players to influence outcomes. Familiarizing yourself with rules and optimal procedures for these games enhances success chances.

Watch for variations with even lower house edges for an extra advantage. Recognizing the importance of a low house edge empowers players to make informed choices, manage gameplay strategically, and boost winnings. Prioritizing such games aligns seamlessly with New Year’s resolutions for more competent wallet management, ensuring a balance between entertainment and financial success in online casinos.

How Baytree Interactive make responsible gambling safer?

By Raymond Lewarne

Baytree Interactive is revolutionizing the best online casinos with a steadfast commitment to player safety and responsible gambling.

As a pioneer in developing state-of-the-art solutions, Baytree’s portfolio of trusted low-deposit casinos stands apart from many others because it offers innovative tools like self-exclusion options, real-time monitoring, and personalized spending limits.

Backed by a Guernsey registration, Kahnawake Gaming Commission licensing, and eCogra certification, Baytree Interactive isn’t just adapting to industry standards – they’re setting them. Their mission? To ensure a secure, enjoyable gaming environment while upholding the highest standards of integrity and responsibility.

Who is Baytree Interactive?

This company is a frontrunner in the gambling industry, renowned for crafting cutting-edge solutions that enhance the safety and responsibility of gambling activities.

They lead the charge in developing innovative tools like self-exclusion options, real-time monitoring, and personalized spending limits – all designed to protect players and promote responsible gaming.

Baytree manages a top-tier portfolio of top online casinos like Ruby Fortune, JackpotCity and Lucky Nugget. These casinos with a minimum deposit deliver immersive gaming experiences while championing transparency, regulation, and player protection.

Some of the trusted casinos under the Baytree Banner

Under this established banner, you’ll find some of the most trusted names in the online casino world. They include the likes of:

Jackpot City – stands tall with its superb lineup of over 1,200 slot games and an incredible live dealer experience, making it a go-to destination for many players globally.
Ruby Fortune – which offers a sleek, user-friendly platform that caters to both seasoned players and newcomers. Their leading loyalty program is one to definitely boast about (but not right now), along with their rich array of payment options to ensure seamless transactions.
Lucky Nugget – which combines a nostalgic casino vibe with premier technology, offering an engaging and elevated gaming experience that keeps players coming back for more.

Baytree’s commitment to safety and responsible gambling is evident across all these platforms, ensuring that players enjoy not just thrilling games but also peace of mind.

Innovative Tools for Safer Gambling

With a strong focus on taking player safety to the next level, here is the suite of innovative tools available at Baytree-linked low-deposit casinos.

Self-exclusion: This lets players hit the pause button for at least six months, ensuring they can step away when they need a break.
Deposit limits: Empowers players to stay within their means, with customizable options available through their account or with a quick call to Customer Service. Players also have the option of adjusting their maximum deposit limits at any time.
Take a break: These options range from 24 hours to six weeks, giving players flexibility to recharge and return refreshed.
Account closure: For those ready to step away completely, account closure is just a click away.
Self-assessment: There is a simple and straightforward 10-question self-assessment test that helps players gauge their gambling behaviour. This ensures players can easily identify any potential issues before they escalate.
Problem Gambling support details: Additionally, there are direct links and contact details for a wealth of additional support resources for problem gamblers. These include Gambling Therapy at www.gamblingtherapy.org, the Responsible Gambling Council at www.responsiblegambling.org, GamCare at www.gamcare.org.uk, and Gamblers Anonymous at www.gamblersanonymous.org.
Underage gambling: Baytree-linked casino sites also offer rigorous age verification to keep minors out of the game. In addition, there are links and contact details for Net Nanny at www.netnanny.com – a leading parental control software and website blocker. It helps ensure your kids navigate the web securely and responsibly.

Baytree takes safety and security seriously

With top-rated online casinos under the Baytree umbrella, player safety and security aren’t just priorities – they are the foundational elements of its very existence. They are committed to delivering an adrenalin-packed gaming experience within a safe, secure, and fair environment. The following are measures put in place to ensure security is tight all around. They include:

Privacy first: Your details are locked down tight, with zero tolerance for third-party sharing or selling. They go the extra mile to ensure your privacy is never compromised.
Rock-solid banking: Every transaction is shielded by top-tier digital encryption, and recommended payment methods that are globally trusted.
Fraud detection: Their dedicated fraud detection team keeps a vigilant eye on every transaction to ensure players’ peace of mind.
24/7 support: Got a question? They have you covered around the clock, with support available in your language of choice. Their team is always ready to provide swift, expert assistance whenever you need it.

Baytree leading the way in Responsible Gambling Standards

Baytree Interactive stands out as a beacon of responsible gambling, equipping players with a comprehensive suite of tools to ensure a safe and hassle-free casino journey. With features like self-exclusion options, real-time monitoring, and personalized spending limits, the company provides the resources necessary for players to gamble responsibly and seek assistance when needed.

Their dedication to integrity and safety goes beyond industry norms, setting a new benchmark for secure gaming environments. By proactively addressing potential issues and ensuring transparency with players, Baytree demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that prioritizes player well-being.

Their proactive stance ensures that their commitment to responsible gaming isn’t just about keeping pace with industry standards but about leading the way toward a safer gambling experience. Their efforts reflect a deep-rooted commitment to not only meeting but exceeding the expectations of modern gamers.

As Baytree Interactive continues to innovate and uphold high standards of integrity, players can trust that they are navigating an industry with player protection firmly standing as the number one priority.

Norway and Finland Are Working to Institute Gambling License System

By Daniela Rose

Scandinavia has one of the world’s biggest online gambling markets. It draws players from countries like Sweden, Norway, and Finland, who regularly deposit money to play their favourite games. However, local regulations in Scandinavia impose strict limitations on domestic operators, prohibiting them from offering services to regional players. As a result, many international, top online casinos have adapted by providing their websites in Swedish, Norwegian, and Finnish languages and facilitating local currency deposits and withdrawals for Scandinavian players.

However, through the establishment of proper licensing systems, Norway and Finland are both adopting measures to promote gambling legislation that is both safer and more effective. When it comes to gambling activities, Norway is now operating under a monopoly system. Still, Finland is currently in the process of deconstructing its own monopoly system in favour of issuing licenses.

This development reflects a rising understanding within the gambling sector across Scandinavia and wider Europe of the need for increased control, player protection, and integrity of the best online casinos.

Finnish Authorities Want Greater Control of the Gambling Market

The government of Finland has taken a decision to open up the gambling industry to licensing after years of maintaining a rigid monopoly. It is anticipated that by the year 2026, it will have a fully operational licensing system that will encourage sizeable international online casino sites to operate in Finland. This will, in turn, contribute a significant amount of tax money to the budget, and it will also provide consumers with the luxury of choosing from a variety of operators.

Veikkaus, Finland’s Slot Machine Association, and Fintoto, three state-owned companies, were forced to merge in 2017, which resulted in establishing a strict monopoly on gambling in Finland. Users were left with no options to pick from, and there was no healthy competition that could have fostered the growth of the market because no other brands were permitted to operate in the country.

The government of Finland believed that by establishing a monopoly on gambling, it would be able to keep the money consumers spend on wagers within the country while offering easy access to gambling institutions, allowing for easier oversight.

Finland’s choice to transition away from its long-standing gaming monopoly system and towards a licensing model highlights the need for increased management and control. Maarten Haijer, Secretary General of the European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA), emphasized the significance of this move by saying, “This is a welcome step towards meaningful and overdue gambling reform in Finland.”

Haijer noted the possible benefits, including giving consumers a wider variety of options and safeguards, promoting equal competition among operators, and allowing Finnish authorities to exercise more comprehensive regulatory capabilities.

Implementing a licensing system that permits firms to buy their way into a particular market has proven to be a successful model in a number of different countries. When there are standards that official companies are required to follow to remain in the market, the regulation process becomes more manageable. This contrasts the situation in which authorities chase online casinos and bookmakers and attempt to limit access to pages that keep appearing.

Norway Signs Agreement to Promote Safer Gambling

The Norwegian Industry Association for Online Gaming (NBO) and the International Betting Integrity Association (IBIA) have formed a strategic partnership with the primary goal of developing safer gambling practices in Norway. This partnership was formed in response to Finland’s progressive mindset on the issue.

Both organizations have reached an agreement to lobby for the implementation of a licensing system in order to enhance the protection of consumers and the integrity of the industry. This agreement was reached through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding.

As reported by the Gambling Insider, the General Secretary of the Norwegian Gaming Organisation, Carl Frederik Stenstrom, emphasized the significance of this collaboration by noting, “Increasingly strong signals indicate that the Norwegian monopoly is not the most effective solution for consumer protection or industry integrity.” Stenstrom emphasized the importance of taking a holistic approach to the gambling product and regulating it according to that perspective to develop the most effective framework possible.

IBIA CEO Khalid Ali recently issued a statement in which he restated the organization’s position and expressed satisfaction with the Memorandum of Understanding that was recently created with the NBO. Ali emphasized the significance of obtaining licenses for responsible and regulated betting operators in Norway. He pointed out that the absence of such permits makes it more challenging to monitor the market, safeguard consumers, and implement stringent integrity measures for online casinos and sports betting.

From Monopoly to Licensing

Several criticisms and challenges have been levelled against Finland’s monopoly on gambling in recent years. Switching from Veikkaus Oy’s monopoly structure to a licensing system is one of the potential solutions presented. Among the countries known globally as standard role models in the gambling industry, Norway has not adopted a licensing model. Yet, it has been able to build its own monopolistic system successfully.

Since 2019, the number of gambling problems in Norway has decreased by 50%, and the number of people in Norway who indulge in gambling games that are not part of the monopoly system has been reduced. A decrease has also been seen in high-risk gambling. This information is uncovered by a recent study of the Norwegian population that the University of Bergen carried out.

Norway has, among other things, implemented additional mechanisms to prevent financial transactions to prohibit gambling outside of the monopoly system. The country has outlawed the marketing of gambling games by both the monopoly operator Norsk Tipping and unlawful operators. As a consequence of these restrictions, there is a visible reduction in the amount of advertising for gambling across all channels.

The partnership between the National Board of Gambling and the International Business Institute (IBIA) represents a concentrated effort to address responsible behaviours and promote plans that attempt to minimize the impact of the harm caused by gambling.

Norway and Finland are making progress toward establishing gaming licensing systems; nonetheless, promoting safer gambling practices and the integrity of the sector continues to be of the utmost importance in these countries.

Joint Efforts Towards Responsible Gambling

Online casinos and sportsbooks that have been granted licenses are based on a foundation of safer gambling. Organizations that are concerned with the protection of customers and the implementation of responsible gambling practices are included in this foundation.

Gambling responsibly is essential in order to have a secure and fun experience when playing at an online casino. Players can explore the top-rated online casinos in a responsible manner if they establish limits for themselves, identify warning signs, and seek support when they feel they need it.

Being licensed by regulatory bodies that place a priority on responsible gambling practices is essential to ensuring that the excitement of gaming continues to be a positive and controlled pursuit. This is especially important in Norway and Finland, where the online casino industry continues to expand internationally.

England launches new gambling service to treat problem gambling

By Ginevra Alessandrello

A new service for gambling addiction has been established in South Cumbria, England, and satellite clinics will soon be available in Manchester, Preston, Liverpool, Leeds, Newcastle, Blackpool, and Sheffield.

This new service – led by Dr Matt Gaskell of the North West Gambling Service (NWGS) – is set to address the consequences of gambling at UK online casinos. Gambling addiction is becoming a new public health crisis in the UK, with more gamblers suffering mental health problems.

Gambling addiction can cause the breakdown of relationships, severe debt, loss of employment, crime, and, tragically, sometimes, suicide, causing the NHS to be concerned. Figures also show that in England alone, there is an average of 496 gambling-related suicide cases every year.

Mr Gaskell’s profession is that of a psychologist. Recently, he was quoted as telling The Westmorland Gazette that gambling addiction did not discriminate. He said it was something that affected everyone from women who buy into the advertising campaigns for slots to football fans, which has contributed to the rising number of addiction cases.

This new Responsible Gambling service will include therapists, mental health nurses, psychologists and psychiatrists who are trained to treat gambling addiction. The great part about this service is that compulsive gamblers can attend group sessions in person, over the Internet, or on the telephone. Treatments offered include therapy sessions with a trained psychologist, addiction treatment programmes, and family therapy. Gambling addicts can bring their families and carers.

How can gambling addiction affect your life? It can cause a breakdown of relationships, severe debt, loss of employment, crime, and, tragically, sometimes even suicide. Research shows that in England alone, there is an average of 496 gambling-related suicide cases every year. This is why the NHS is concerned about it.

Which areas does the new gambling service cover

This service will cover various areas including Gateshead, North and South Tyneside, Sunderland, Newcastle and Northumberland. So, if you reside in any of these areas and need help, you can attend a session either by referring yourself directly or through a medical professional. You can visit Leeds and York Partnership NHS Foundation Trust online to get more in-depth information.

What you need to know is that the NHS Northern Gambling Service works closely with local charities, substance misuse services, general practitioners, debt agencies, councils, homeless agencies, the criminal justice system and substance misuse services. Their core principle is: “Any door is the right door”. This essentially means that it doesn’t matter how you got there, as long as you do get there.

The NHS Northern Gambling Services can be reached at:

Website – Find them online by searching NHS Northern Gambling Service
Telephone – 0300 300 1490
Email – [email protected]

Gambling research in the UK

It’s worrying that 15 million people gamble at land-based casinos and online in Great Britain, a fifth of the population, almost as many people that visited a museum or art gallery at least once last year.

Gambling is made up of gambling games at UK online casinos and sportsbooks and is an activity that encourages people to socialise online. Players log into a UK online casino and can start playing to win big.

Since the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions, there has been a surging number of players that have joined the best UK online casinos. This has in turn seen a spike in gambling addiction. The pandemic also caused another strange phenomenon, such as increased numbers of women gamblers who prefer lotteries, scratchcards, slot games in arcades, and buying National Lottery instant-win scratchcards. The UK has also had a rise in online poker and virtual sports betting. As many real-life sports events were cancelled, eSports became a favourite way to bet online. After COVID restrictions were lifted, figures for adults who gamble remain 28% lower than pre-COVID-19.

The future of safer gambling in the UK

With the rise of new online casino players and online sports punters, responsible gambling has become a pressing concern in the UK. Education programmes on how to prevent gambling addiction have now become critical for the future of safer gambling in the UK.

A paper published online in 2021 by the UK Gambling Commission found that whilst the pandemic spurred reflection on life and finances, most people haven’t changed their online gambling behaviours since then, and only a few decreased how much they gamble.

There has been a rise in overall spending, although this does not necessarily indicate that punters placed higher stakes. Many participants report feeling disappointed at their gambling habits since the pandemic, and research also showed that younger participants increased their overall time and money spent on gambling.

The Gambling Commission’s findings could have severe consequences for the nation. Younger players are most at risk of spending time and money on gambling, and any gambling communication, such as England launching a new gambling service to treat problem gambling, will also target this group of casino players and punters with a compulsive gambling problem.

Compared to older people, younger players are generally less worried about gambling addiction. Research also shows that while the pandemic made people reflect on their finances, this did not cause a change in the behaviour of most gamblers. Instead, participants found it easy to justify more time and money spent gambling as there is nothing quite like it in terms of entertainment.

Great Britain has one of the most accessible online gambling markets in the world, and concerns regarding gambling-related harm have been increasing in the UK in recent years. Gambling is now seen as a public health issue, which is what has prompted this new initiative to inform the public about the many hidden dangers of gambling addiction.

Sweden will introduce stricter gambling measures in April 2024

By Shadrack Kairu

Stricter gambling regulations are coming to Sweden effective April 1, 2024, in a move that is seen as crucial to enhance consumer protections and fight gambling-related crime. The Swedish government (Regeringen) harmonized a series of gambling amendments into a single bill, which was later approved by the Riksdag, the country’s parliament.

Under the newly confirmed amendments, the government seeks to impose higher fees on gambling operators that violate the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AML). Additionally, it aims to provide legal online gambling companies with the right to access personal data relating to finance and health that players themselves have provided, with a view to combating gambling-related harm. The new regulatory framework means that tougher requirements are in the pipeline for online casinos regarding consumer protection and responsible gambling.

The Swedish Gambling Authority, Spelinspektionen, has welcomed these new government proposals saying it’s a step in the right direction.

Spelinspektionen Director General Camilla Rosenberg expressed satisfaction with the proposals, noting “We welcome the proposals in the referral that enable further measures to strengthen the regulation of the gaming market. “

“It is also gratifying that the government has now heeded the Gambling Authority’s proposal to raise the sanction ceiling for violations of the Money Laundering Act,” she added.

Consumer safety and new standards for Sweden’s gambling industry

A notable provision under the new revisions to the Swedish Gambling Act of 2018 includes the requirement for telemarketing sales of gambling services to be presented in writing to consumers. This means that gambling companies will now be required to obtain written approval from players before engaging in telephone sales of games. Any agreements not made in writing will be deemed invalid. The aim of this is to promote responsible gambling and ultimately protect consumers from excessive betting.

In addition, the proposed bill requires that providers of legal online casinos be granted the right to access personal financial and health data that the players themselves have provided. This will enable them to monitor and analyze players’ financial and health status in an effort to counteract excessive gambling. This is also intended to protect players from crimes associated with online gambling.

The new Swedish gambling law slated to take effect on 1 April 2024 also seeks to impose higher fines on gambling companies that breach the country’s Money Laundering Act. As it stands, the penalty fee for betting companies that contravene the Money Laundering Act is lower than for those that violate the Gambling Act.

Under the new law, the government plans to increase fines for AML violations to the same level as those for violating the Gambling Act. This, the government believes, is crucial for combating criminal activities that stem from gambling.

The Swedish Trade Association for Online Gambling, Branschföreningen för Onlinespel (BOS), welcomed the government proposals which would see higher penalties imposed on companies for money laundering violations. Responding to the proposal – which was first introduced by the Ministry of Finance, Finansdepartementet, in June – BOS said it approved the proposal because of the seriousness of the AML violation risk. The trade body, however, expressed its reservations about other proposals in the new law.

Increased tax on gambling winnings also on the cards

Meanwhile, Sweden’s parliament, the Riksdag, is in discussions about increasing the personal income tax on gambling winnings from 18% to 22%. If the parliament approves it, the amendments are poised to take effect starting July 1, 2024, and will see the government raise an additional SEK 540m (£39.4m) in gambling tax per year.

Sweden’s legal gambling landscape has evolved relatively steadily in the past few years. Unlike some jurisdictions that opt for swift and comprehensive reforms, potentially leading to increased illegal gambling activities, the Swedish government has embraced an evolutionary approach.

First, it established the Swedish Gambling Act on January 1, 2019, setting the rules of the game for gambling operators. Then in 2023, it implemented a raft of measures aimed at combating illegal operations, strengthening consumer protections, and improving customer care duties for online betting licensees.

More notably, on July 1, 2023, supplier licenses were enforced while new enforcement powers were handed to Spelinspektionen. And now, the government is eyeing increasing the gambling tax rate starting in July 2024.

But these amendments are coming at a time when the growth of Sweden’s regulated gambling market seems to have taken a slump, according to the latest financial report released by Spelinspektionen.

In Q2 of 2023, for example, licensed gambling operators generated a gross gaming revenue (GGR) of SEK 6.7bn (€562.8 million). This GCR was down over 1% compared to the SEK 6.77bn (€568.7 million) reported in Q2 2022. Furthermore, in Q3 2023, GGR decreased 0.6% year-over-year and plateaued versus the third quarter of 2022.

The report further reveals that by the end of Q3 of 2023, roughly 99,000 people had registered for the voluntary self-exclusion scheme through Spelinspektionen’s self-exclusion program Spelpaus.se. This marks a 4% increase compared to the previous quarter of the year.

How Swedish gambling operators are preparing for these changes

The newly proposed gambling measures have however been met with some backlash from the Swedish gambling operators, with Sweden’s Branschföreningen för Onlinespel (BOS) labelling the tax changes a “Christmas Gift” for offshore online casinos.

BOS, a prominent critic of the government’s management of the gambling sector, expressed serious concerns over the government’s decision to raise gambling taxes, deeming its timing particularly hostile for the regulated market. The association argued that raising gambling taxes will only drive players to turn to illicit operators in the black market.

In a press release, Gustaf Hoffstedt, BOS Secretary General, emphasized the impact this could have on the country’s regulated gambling market, stressing its ill timing. Voicing BOS’s rejection of the proposal, Gustaf Hoffstedt said:

“The government can hardly time its proposal to raise the gambling tax to a worse time. We are in a situation where fewer and fewer players choose to play on the safe licensed market, and more and more on the unregulated, unlicensed gambling market”.

Hoffstedt also concluded his remarks by asserting that the government’s proposed tax hike on gambling was a “Christmas gift” for the unregulated, unlicensed gambling market:

“That the government proposes to raise the tax for licensed gambling is the best Christmas present you can think of – to the unregulated and unlicensed gambling market’, he concluded (SBC News).

Meanwhile, Spelinspektionen, the country’s gambling authority, has neither approved nor opposed the proposed tax rise, noting that it has “no substantive views” on the matter. However, the authority promised to “carefully follow developments” to see what “consequences the proposed tax hikes may actually have on the Swedish regulated gambling sector.”

The gambling market in Sweden has undergone significant changes during the five years since the Swedish Gambling Act came into force on January 1, 2019. This seems to continue in 2024, as the government looks to strengthen online gambling safety while also clamping down on illegal gambling in the country.

For now, this bill underscores consumer safety, introduces tougher fines for money laundering offences, and sets new standards for gambling-related telephone sales in the Swedish gambling industry.

Responsible Gaming at Low Stakes: A Guide to C$1 Deposit Casinos in Canada

The best responsible gambling platforms in Canada are C$1 Deposit Casinos. After registering, players can invest one dollar and enter some of Canada’s finest online casinos with a bonus. For Canucks that are interested in playing casino games risk-free, Minimum Deposit Casinos (MDC) has researched the best sites for you with the most competitive casino bonuses and the newest slots and casino games.

Play the best slots online or use strategy with table games and live games. You could also try your luck at winning a six or seven-figure payouts with progressive jackpots – it’s all at your fingertips. But before you grab a bonus and indulge, let’s talk a little about the importance of responsible gambling habits.

The main benefits of C$1 deposit casinos in Canada include risk-free gambling, however, as exciting as it is to play some of the best online slots in the industry for only C$1 at low-stakes online casinos, gambling responsibly has never been more important. Canucks are increasingly drawn to the convenience and affordability of C$1 casinos as they let players enjoy casino games with minimal financial commitment and are an attractive option for anyone wanting to test the waters risk-free.

In our easy-to-read Guide to C$1 Deposit Casinos in Canada, we will define what responsible gaming is, explain its importance in the context of online gambling, and discuss common risks and how to recognize signs of problem gambling. We guide you on how to set personal limits for time and money spent at online casinos. We highlight tools and features offered by C$1 deposit casinos to help you manage your gambling habits. For Canucks that need help, we’ll provide a list of Canadian support groups and more information on responsible gaming.

Understanding Responsible Gaming

Responsible Gaming is a set of practices and tools designed to ensure players enjoy online casinos and sportsbooks that are safe and regulated. Keeping tracks of your online gambling means that by using some responsible gambling tools, you will prevent compulsive gambling behaviours and minimize the potential adverse effects of gambling.

When one considers the risks of gambling, it becomes clear that every caution is necessary. Most Canucks can deposit at an online casino, play, and then cash out when they have had enough, but for other players, it’s not that easy. Players who are vulnerable to gambling addiction will find themselves chasing wins, borrowing or stealing money to gamble online secretly, and much like the thirst of an alcoholic, the gambling addict will have an unquenchable thirst for real money gambling games, and it doesn’t matter how much they have already lost.

Here are some of the tell-tale signs of gambling addiction:

Consistently thinking about gambling and avoiding day-to-day responsibilities to gamble.
Chasing wins and compulsively gambling can cause substantial financial losses.
Anyone with a compulsive gambling problem will socially isolate and gamble secretly for hours.
Increase your bets to recover previous losses and chase your wins.

If you find yourself thinking more about gambling than before or are spending money that wasn’t assigned for gambling, how about setting up some responsible gambling tools at your online casino and take back control? Set limits on how much you spend or how long you play, and access resources to enhance your awareness about the potential risks of gambling. Players can also self-exclude temporarily or permanently and can click on links for support networks and professional counselling services.

A handy feature of the Responsible Gambling section of any regulated casino is the Self Assessment Questionnaire, which you can take to evaluate your gambling habits. Answer yes and no to a set of gambling-related questions, and depending on your results, you can make necessary adjustments.

Setting Limits at C$1 Deposit Casinos

It’s true that C$1 deposit casinos offer an affordable way to play real-money online gambling games. Even so, it’s still crucial for players to establish personal limits based on the following:

Time Management – Decide how long you want to play online, then set a reminder when it’s time to stop playing. It’s also helpful to take regular breaks and prevent mental tiredness.
Set Financial Limits – Decide on your gambling budget daily, weekly, and monthly, and keep your online gambling funds separate from your other household expenses to prevent overspending.
Responsible Gambling Tools – Licensed and regulated C$1 deposit casinos allow their users to set deposit limits, time limits, and self-exclusion, as well as access gambling addiction counsellors.
Informational Materials – Every online casino provides a Responsible Gambling section, usually found at the bottom of the casino’s website. In this section, you can read about help and support services.

Maximizing Enjoyment with Minimal Risk

In this section, we present some strategies for enjoying casino games responsibly with low stakes, including choosing games with lower bets and taking advantage of bonuses wisely. There should always be a balance between playing games for fun versus the risks of gambling. Choose games with lower bets, such as penny slots, to maximize enjoyment with minimal risk. This is a great way to extend your gambling session without missing out on any action. Another tip is to try demo slots for free and learn the rules of the slot game and paytable before trying the game for real money.

There are always terms and conditions and wagering requirements associated with casino bonuses. The T&Cs explain how to convert your bonus to withdrawable real cash wins successfully. Online casino gaming should always be seen as fun entertainment rather than as a way to make extra cash.

Resources for Responsible Gaming in Canada

Gambling addiction can cause harm like depression, bankruptcy, family breakups, and even homelessness. These effects can be devastating, which is why the Canada Safety Council considers gambling addiction a community safety and crime prevention issue. Here are some resources available to Canadian players for support and information on responsible gambling.

Gambling Therapy Canada – A free online service offering practical advice to gamblers struggling with problem gambling.
GamTalk Canada – Players who want to share their experience with someone online can visit GamTalk to connect with people who have been through this before.
RecoverMe App Canada – A mobile app that helps you manage a gambling problem by using cognitive behavioural therapy, mindfulness and support tools in helping to control urges and prevent lapses in your gambling.
Responsible Gambling Council – Provides valuable information, self-assessment tools, and educational resources to promote responsible gambling behaviour.

Choosing the Right C$1 Deposit Casino

When choosing the right C$1 deposit casino, please pay special attention to their licensing information, and whether they offer 24/7 customer support and responsible gaming policies. Valid licenses are issued by legitimate regulators such as the Malta Gambling Authority, Kahnawake Gaming Commission, and the Curacao government.

You should be able to contact support via Live Chat and email, and many top-rated software developers must provide the slots and table games. To safeguard your hard-earned cash and mental health, only play at top-rated Canadian casinos that feature a solid, Responsible gambling section. Reputable C$1 deposit casinos must provide clear and helpful information on responsible gambling and allow Canucks to set deposit limits, time limits, and self-exclude.

Commemorating International Responsible Gambling Day on 17 February 2024

By Ginevra Alessandrello

Trusted and reputable top online casinos have consistently spread responsible gambling messages, but on 17 February 2024 in commemoration of International Responsible Gambling Day, this awareness will be enhanced ten-fold. Regulators, governments and the gambling industry are focusing on safer gambling habits to help vulnerable players.

Since online casinos opened in the early 1990s, gambling has been promoted as fun-filled entertainment. While most people can gamble within those parameters, there’s no fun in it for some. When a person starts playing compulsively, they struggle to log off. They will be obsessed about winning and will chase wins, hoping to get back what they’ve lost.

Since COVID-19, the world was forced to lock themselves indoors, with little to do. Many turned to online casinos as a pastime. With scores of new players registering daily, the best online casinos and regulatory authorities have joined hands to combat the rise of gambling addiction.

Responsible gambling events taking place globally

There are several events taking place globally during the month of February and March 2024 in commemoration of this international day. They include the following:

The Washington-based National Council on Problem Gambling will be hosting the Digital Symposium 2024 – which is one of the bigger initiatives – taking place on 15 February 2024. Three other follow-up events are scheduled to take place in May, September and November. On the agenda is the topic of the ripple effect of problem gambling on families, approaches to supporting loved ones, financial counselling, gambling treatment and recovery experiences.

Meanwhile, the Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) in Canada will be hosting the Discovery 2024 conference from 25 to 27 March 2024 to drive change and deliver impact for responsible gambling. Attendees will be joining in person and online.

The South African Responsible Gambling Foundation, on the other hand, has uploaded a Self-Check Quiz on its Homepage in red. The quiz helps players determine if they have a gambling problem and provides support and resources on what they can do.

How Do Online Casinos Promote Responsible Gambling?

Reputable and licensed top online casinos provide responsible gambling tools on their sites for players to use. By activating the safety features, players can control how much they play and spend.

They can do this by self-excluding (temporarily or permanently), which can be set for 1 week, 1 month, or permanently. After requesting self-exclusion, the casino will block you instantly. If you have opted for temporary self-exclusion, it will take a few hours until the changes are made and your account is activated.

Players can also set deposit limits, initiate cooling off periods, and even activate loss limits. Many best online casinos also include a “Reality Check” tool that consistently reminds individuals of the duration they have been playing for, the amounts they have wagered, and calculating how much real money they have lost over a period of time.

People who feel they have a gambling issue can also attend therapy or get involved with support groups. There is no shame in seeking help, but for many of those afflicted, their addiction is a dirty little secret they don’t share with anyone.

People who feel they may have a problem with gambling are encouraged to make use of national helplines in their home countries, which are free of charge. These types of call centres are confidential and offer expert advice and support.

Unpacking Gambling Addiction

Experts say that 70% of study participants with mood disorders use gambling as a coping strategy to escape their symptoms. Gambling addiction is when players become so consumed by thoughts of winning that they obsess and chase wins. Addicts often play with money they don’t have, spend their work time gambling, avoid socialising, and even disguise their gambling behaviour. Compulsive gambling is a mental disorder that offers no warning.

People can gamble for years and never develop a gambling addiction, while others play once and are addicted. Life-changing events like divorce or financial problems can be the catalyst for an addiction to develop. Real-money games like slots, poker, roulette, and blackjack are fun and should never be used for anything other than entertainment.

Since Covid-19, online casino games like slots, sports betting, and table games have become extremely popular. Most individuals are able to play within their budget, but others struggle with this. Problem gambling was only identified as an addiction in the late 1980s, before this, gambling was seen as entertainment. After intensive studies, compulsive gambling was eventually re-classified as an addiction.

The stigma around problem gambling

The stigma around gambling addiction has impacted the choices made by individuals around the world. It impacts prevention and treatment.

According to a scientific paper ‘Gambling Disorder and Stigma’ – published in 2022 by Leanne Quigley – gambling disorders are among the most stigmatized mental health problems. She states that such stigma leads to concealment, reduced treatment-seeking, and decreased self-esteem.

Stigma is the negative evaluations and attitudes about a condition, leading to discrimination of individuals. In her paper, Quigley says this then leads to self-stigma.

The stigma attached to gambling addiction is prevalent in all countries. If there is one thing you can do to help others, it would be to help raise awareness and speak out against the stigma. No one deserves to be shamed!

References

Quigley L. (2022). Gambling Disorder and Stigma: Opportunities for Treatment and Prevention. Current addiction reports, 9(4), 410–419. https://doi.org/10.1007/s40429-022-00437-4

Igaming identity theft gang uncovered in n Ontario

By Ramona Depares

Months of investigation by the Ontario police came to a dramatic end as two people from Toronto have been formally charged with fraudulent activities related to Canadian online casino sites. The inquiry, which was launched following a report of fraudulent activity on Ontario’s iGaming website, culminated in two people being charged with a total of 21 offences.

According to Canadian media outlet CityNewsEverywhere, it all started in July 2022, with allegations of identity theft being committed on the Ontario Lottery and Gaming Corporation (OLG) iGaming website. Both the provincial police and the enforcement arm of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario (AGCO) were immediately alerted.

More reports of fraudulent activity followed in August of the same year, this time on the OLG’s online sportsbook. Police had seized a number of electronic devices, fraudulent documents and instruments related to separate criminal offences from a residence in North York.

Finally, December 2023 saw the arrest of Ernesto Rasing, a 38-year-old from Toronto, and of Elaiza Mae Paculanan, aged 20. BayToday reports that the duo are facing a total of 10 fraud-related charges including;

The use of forged documents
Possession of credit card
The use of credit card data
Possession of an identity document
An instrument solely intended for copying credit cards
Identity theft

Investigations are continuing in this case.

What is igaming identity theft?

Identity theft presents a very real risk for all online casinos in Canada. The official Canadian government website describes identity theft as “the unauthorized use of your information by third parties”, involving the collection and use of personal information such as your name, date of birth, address, social insurance number (SIN), as well as any other personal details for criminal purposes.

Within the iGaming landscape, this means that your data will be used at online casinos in Canada under false pretences, with the scope of facilitating winnings and cashouts. Seon Technologies, a company specialising in cyber security, explains that there are several types of gambling fraud, with the below being the most common:

The creation of multiple accounts using fake credentials
Bonus abuse, usually using fake accounts
Tournament fixing, known as ‘gnoming’, is made possible when several accounts collude together to help one other account win
Flooding a table with multiple fake accounts that will all be used to obtain favourable results for one specific player

The above criminal activity requires the use of fake accounts, which is why identity theft is such a big problem at some online casinos in Canada. And the issue is not limited to Canada, but worldwide.

And if you’re wondering whether such practices carry serious repercussions for operators and players, the answer is yes. Even the best online casinos in Canada can find themselves crippled if they end up targeted by such scammers. For starters, the site may end up falling foul of gambling regulations if it’s being unwittingly used for money laundering purposes.

Moreover, there is a hefty financial cost to consider, as those who indulge in identity theft usually do so to abuse the bonus system and to lock in unfair winnings. Finally, the practice can also end up damaging other players, as the end game sometimes includes accessing other players’ funds illegally.

This is why identity checks are important for online casinos

It is vital for any online casino in Canada to make sure that its identity verification and KYC processes are on point, not only to ensure compliance and avoid fines or even license suspension but also to protect players, safeguard the casino’s revenue and be able to continue operations without any legal hassles.

Luckily, the best online casinos in Canada make use of highly sophisticated software so as to minimize the chances of fraud. There are several ways an operator can protect itself from unscrupulous scammers, and many of these are actually a legal requirement laid down by the FINTRAC (Financial Transactions and Reports Analysis Centre of Canada) and AGCO (Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario).

Gambling regulations lay down that online casinos in Canada must carry out thorough Know Your Customer (KYC) processes by using identity data or document verification when onboarding new players. According to Ontario-based GBGPLC, which supplies identity verification services, these regulations can be achieved in two different ways.

The first option is by means of a single match to a credit file held by a Canadian credit bureau. This is only FINTRAC compliant if it’s at least three years old, so players with relatively new credit history may find it difficult to have their identity verified. This usually happens in the case of players who are legally old enough to gamble, but are still young.

The second option is via two credit file matches, each of which must be at least six months old. Most sites favour this method, as it delivers very rapid onboarding decisions that are KYC-compliant without precluding players who may still be too young for a three-year-old match.

There are other measures that are taken by online casinos in Canada to minimize the risk of identity fraud as much as possible. These include a solid digital footprint analysis, whereby given email addresses and phone numbers are linked to social media accounts and other online platforms. Conducting an IP fraud score analysis is another effective method, as is password hash analysis. The latter is particularly foolproof as scammers with more than one fake account almost never bother to create unique passwords for each fraudulent account.

Having thorough identity verification and KYC processes in place is not only a must for any Canadian online casino to avoid fraudulent activity. It also ensures that the site takes its responsible gambling obligations seriously, as no player will be able to bypass an application for self-exclusion.

Victims of igaming identity theft in Ontario urged to report crimes

One of the most worrying aspects of all this is that your identity may be stolen without you even knowing about it. The Ontario consumer protection branch provides a list of signs to look out for. These include:

Failing to receive expected bills and statements, as someone may have changed the mailing address for your accounts.
Receiving calls from collection agencies or creditors for an account you don’t have.
Receiving bank notifications about a new account in your name, or added charges.
Your financial statements don’t match your actual financial activity.
You receive calls from a credit agency to say you’ve been approved or denied credit that you haven’t applied for.

What should you do if you believe that you’ve been targeted by one of these criminals and that you’ve been the victim of iGaming identity theft? Ontario authorities advise you to report the matter without delay to all the relevant authorities. According to Canadian government services, you should immediately follow the steps below:

File a report with the local police.
Report the incident to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre (1-888-495-8501)
File a report with your bank and credit card companies. Stop all existing cards and request new bank or credit cards with new numbers on them.

Identity theft is a very serious business at the end of the day, and you should never make the assumption that it will not happen to you. But by staying vigilant and exercising caution, you’ll be able to continue enjoying your time at the top Canadian online casinos without the fear of fraud.

Commemorating International Responsible Gambling Day

By Ginevra Alessandrello

Since COVID-19, the world has been forced to lock itself indoors, with little to do. Many turned to online casinos as a pastime. With scores of new players registering daily, the best online casinos and regulatory authorities have joined hands to combat the rise of gambling addiction.

Responsible gambling events taking place globally

There are several events taking place globally during the month of February and March 2024 in commemoration of this international day. They include the following:

How Do Online Casinos Promote Responsible Gambling?

Reputable and licensed top online casinos provide responsible gambling tools on their sites for players to use. By activating the safety features, players can control how much they play and spend.

Players can also set deposit limits, initiate cooling-off periods, and even activate loss limits. Many best online casinos also include a “Reality Check” tool that consistently reminds individuals of the duration they have been playing for, the amounts they have wagered, and how much real money they have lost over a period of time.

Unpacking Gambling Addiction

Gambling stimulates the brain’s reward system with a release of Dopamine, the happiness hormone. When dopamine levels drop, addicted players feel the need to chase wins to get back those good feelings. Experts say that 70% of study participants with mood disorders use gambling as a coping strategy to escape their symptoms.

Gambling addiction is when players become so consumed by thoughts of winning that they obsess and chase wins. Addicts often play with money they don’t have, spend their work time gambling, avoid socialising, and even disguise their gambling behaviour.

Compulsive gambling is a mental disorder that offers no warning. People can gamble for years and never develop a gambling addiction, while others play once and are addicted. Life-changing events like divorce or financial problems can be the catalyst for an addiction to develop.

Real-money games like slots, poker, roulette, and blackjack are fun and should never be used for anything other than entertainment.

Gambling addiction only happens to 2-3% of the gambling population. Still, when we consider that there are a staggering 8 billion people in the world and that gambling is a $400 billion industry, it’s clear that most adults enjoy this pastime. Since COVID-19, online casino games like slots, sports betting, table games have become extremely popular.

Most individuals are able to play within their budget, but others struggle with this. Problem gambling was only identified as an addiction in the late 1980s, before this, gambling was seen as entertainment.

After intensive studies, compulsive gambling was eventually re-classified as an addiction.

The stigma around problem gambling

The stigma around gambling addiction has impacted the choices made by individuals around the world. It impacts prevention and treatment.

Stigma is the negative evaluations and attitudes about a condition, leading to discrimination of individuals. In her paper, Quigley says this then leads to self-stigma.

Treatment for 60,000 gambling addicts in NZ at risk over funding cuts

Over the last 30 years, New Zealanders struggling with gambling addiction have been supported by The Salvation Army’s Oasis Programme, a robust service that includes therapy, training, and ‘wrap-around’ care nationwide. But in 2023, the Salvation Army’s request for proposal (RFP) was denied without an explanation. The Oasis Programme has supported over 60,000 Kiwi patients in its legacy, and this will mark its first-ever closure.

Instead, it is assumed that the funding ballot will go to another national programme. The Ministry of Health has not released any details publicly about why the change was made or who the next service provider will be. The funding is set to expire on 31 January 2024, leaving over 2000 patients without confirmed support next year, as well as dozens of gambling addiction experts and therapists without a job.

Every year, like most national welfare services in New Zealand, The Salvation Army puts forward a new RFP to continue funding. This allows the chance for other competitive proposals to be considered. After 30 years of ongoing support and proven success, it was shocking to the Army to see an automated email arrive to let the team know their RFP was declined.

Salvation Army National Director Rod Care said in a media interview with RNZ, “To be honest, we’re really disappointed to be missed out completely.”

Not only will this mean a large-scale restructuring of the charity’s services, but it will also force its current patients and participants into what will likely be uncomfortable and damaging transitions if their support and therapy are discontinued.

Care stated that the Salvation Army has not lost interest in the programme, nor in being the go-to platform for help in this space for Kiwis. Despite the disappointing news, their team is not ruling out an RFP submission for 2025 depending on what takes place over the next year.

Impact on gambling addicts who were receiving treatment

Gambling issues do not happen in a vacuum, according to top experts.

Maria Bellringer, Auckland University of Technology’s Gambling and Addictions Research Centre Director, explained to RNZ that gambling addiction is almost always prompted by other challenges happening in an individual’s life, whether it is drug addiction, homelessness, or alcohol abuse.

Gambling support is typically structured as a combination of treatments including counselling, group therapy, and in some cases psychiatric medication. It is most effective when patients are supported alongside any other mental health issues at play, rather than treated as a single-cause, single-symptom issue.

What made The Oasis Programme a success was its full-service approach, where patients could get support for a number of different challenges from one provider. Care said now when patients arrive with multiple problems at once, they will unfortunately need to be referred somewhere else for responsible gambling support.

“People with gambling addictions tend to struggle to front up to services and seek help. I think the difficulty in changing providers will create a challenge for the sector, as some may simply not choose to get the help that they need,”
Maria Bellringer

Historically, many patients would end up in The Oasis Programme accidentally. They might enter The Salvation Army looking for support for other mental health needs, but when they mentioned they also struggle with gambling addiction, there were targeted therapy options that could easily and simply be built into their treatment plan.

Now, with support taken away from The Salvation Army, there is a strong risk of patients falling through the cracks when it comes to directly tackling gambling addiction.

Bellringer also mentioned the toll that this change will likely have on research in the field for New Zealand.

“The Salvation Army has a lot of institutional knowledge because they’ve been providing the service for so long and have always been really keen to collaborate in research, to reduce and understand gambling harms. To lose them as a research collaborator and partner because they’re no longer operating gambling services is actually going to be a huge loss to gambling research,”
Maria Bellringer quoted

Other organisations that can help gambling addiction in NZ

According to the Ministry of Health Manatū Hauora, the top signs of gambling addiction are:

Experiencing financially stress
Believing that gambling can help one get out of debt
Gambling in secret or making excuses to loved ones
Spending more time or money at a casino than intended
Losing interest in family, friends, hobbies, and home life
Borrowing money from relatives or friends to gamble

For those in New Zealand struggling with gambling addiction, the good news is that there are several organisations outside of The Salvation Army that offer other forms of support.

Gambling Helpline Aotearoa is a free, anonymous service that operates 24 hours a day. They have four specialist services on call: Māori Gambling Helpline, Pasifika Gambling Helpline, Debt Gambling Helpline, and Youth Gambling Helpline. Anyone needing immediate support can text 8006 or call 088 654 655 for professional help.

The helpline is part of the leading New Zealand organisation, Safer Gambling Aotearoa, a nonprofit focused on minimising the harm of gambling in communities across the country. Their website is filled with resources about how to spot a gambling problem, what to do if you know you are at risk or suffering from an addiction, and the best ways to seek help for yourself or a loved one. Safer Gambling Aotearoa has 14 locations throughout both the North and South Island, and they offer a variety of counselling and support services.

Trusted NZ online casinos include resources to reduce gambling harm

All gambling venues – both in person and online – should be used for entertainment purposes only, and by those with a healthy relationship with igaming. Recognising the risks and accepting the realities of a casino game is essential to having a fun, enjoyable, and safe experience.

It is also essential to only play games within trusted, reputable online casinos. The standards for certified New Zealand online casinos are extremely high, requiring a thorough suite of digital tools to mitigate harm to players. Everything from self-exclusion options to budget constraint settings, time limits on gaming sessions, and integrated support groups and helplines on the platform ensure that gamers are protected every step of the way. Compared to classic pokie machines, online casinos are far more regulated. For example, the programme will set clocks to stop play after a certain set limit, helping encourage moderation.

Low-deposit online casinos also offer players the chance to game for hours of enjoyment with only a $1, $5, or $10 investment. This helps ensure that players stay within their intended budgets, without capping the length of time that they can spend having fun and feeling the rush of a casino game. Overall, this provides game enthusiasts with a low-risk option with plenty of safeguards in place – so that their hobby remains a hobby.

With gambling addiction support in New Zealand at a crucial turning point, it has never been more important to protect gamers. This is a responsibility not just on individuals, families, and policy-makers, but also on casinos. Building safer, lower-investment gaming resources should be a priority for people throughout the industry, as a way to make gaming what it should be – fun, accessible, and low-risk to players.