PGF Services

PGF Services Free, confidential counselling, advice, and support for anyone affected by gambling harm in Aotearoa New Zealand.

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💭 Gambling harm doesn’t always look like what you think.It can be quiet, lonely, and deeply isolating - and it’s happeni...
08/10/2025

💭 Gambling harm doesn’t always look like what you think.

It can be quiet, lonely, and deeply isolating - and it’s happening in homes across Aotearoa.

This powerful new Stuff feature shares the voices and journeys of people from around the country. Each revealing the hidden reality of gambling harm and its impact on everyday life.

These raw, honest stories remind us why awareness and support are more important than ever.

📖 Read the full article:
https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/360845720/gnawing-dog-bones-survive-lonely-addiction-where-no-one-ever-wins

If you’re worried about gambling - for yourself or someone close - you’re not alone.
👉 Learn more or take the confidential self-test: pgf.nz



Image credit: Stuff NZ

Behind Dunedin’s student flats lies a dangerous new trend.This week Paddy Gower Has Issues investigates how gambling har...
07/10/2025

Behind Dunedin’s student flats lies a dangerous new trend.

This week Paddy Gower Has Issues investigates how gambling harm is already impacting young people. With offshore casinos infiltrating NZ's student culture, spreading fast, and paying students to illegally promote online gambling sites.

As Aotearoa is on the cusp of licensing up to 15 online casinos, this story is a wake-up call for all of us.

👉 Read the full article on Stuff
🎥 Watch the full episode - log in to ThreeNow: threenow.co.nz/shows/paddy-gower-has-issues/

We're proud of the students who came forward to shine a light on this growing issue. Let’s make sure harm prevention grows faster than the industry itself.

Image credit: Paddy Gower Has Issues

Easy to access. Hard to escape.The introduction of licensed online casinos in New Zealand will open the door to new risk...
06/10/2025

Easy to access. Hard to escape.

The introduction of licensed online casinos in New Zealand will open the door to new risks and new challenges for protecting people from harm. Are we doing enough to keep people safe?

This Tuesday on Paddy Gower Has Issues, the reality of gambling harm will be laid bare.

📺 Tune in and join the conversation.

A big thanks to Paddy Gower and his team for covering this important social issue.

01/10/2025

🐅 "Chasing losses is like riding the tiger - they want you to get eaten."

Chasing losses (Tiger Riding) pushes you to bet bigger and "get it back on the next round". It rarely ends well - step off the ride.

Spot the tactics, spot the trap →
👉 Learn more: beingplayed.info
💬 Free, confidential support: 0800 664 262

Links in bio.

Ever felt the urge to “win it back” after a loss? That’s called Tiger Riding - chasing your losses until the ride gets o...
01/10/2025

Ever felt the urge to “win it back” after a loss? That’s called Tiger Riding - chasing your losses until the ride gets out of control.

Big gambling knows you'll chase losses. With gambling, losses actually INCREASE betting.

🐅 Each loss feels like a reason to double down
🐅 Companies prompt “one more bet” with quick-fire notifications
🐅 The more you chase, the harder it is to get off

Just like riding a tiger, the longer you stay on, the more dangerous it gets. The safest move is to step off before the tiger takes over.

Spot the tactics, spot the trap →
👉 Learn more: https://www.beingplayed.info/
💬 Free, confidential support: 0800 664 262

Links in bio.

29/09/2025

💸 "It's so easy to just put money on compared to taking it out."

Matt, Zane & Jayd talk Sludge Tactics in action - easy to deposit money, but then hard to withdraw. Designed delays keep you betting instead of cashing out.

Spot the tactics, spot the trap →
👉 Learn more: www.beingplayed.info
💬 Free, confidential support: 0800 664 262
Links in bio.

Love sports? Has betting taken over the game?We’re breaking down the top 10 tactics sports betting companies use to keep...
26/09/2025

Love sports? Has betting taken over the game?

We’re breaking down the top 10 tactics sports betting companies use to keep you hooked. It’s not just about odds anymore. It’s about design, and sports lovers are the target 🎯

Today’s focus: Sludge Tactics

Sports betting makes it easy and lightning-fast to put money in, but cashing out is another story.

🎰 Instant deposits in one tap
⏳ Withdrawals slowed by ID checks, delays, and “pending” screens
🔁 The longer your money sits, the more likely you’ll keep betting

Deposits take one tap. Withdrawals need multiple steps. Why? They want you to gamble the balance. Sludge Tactics are built to drain your time, energy, and money.

👉 Learn more at www.beingplayed.info

Discover the top 10 tricks, hear real stories, and find support if you need it.

📖 Read more about this tactic: https://www.pgf.nz/knowledge-hub/sludge-tactics

Gambling Harm Awareness Week may be over, but the kōrero doesn’t stop here. Support is available year-round and it’s nev...
11/09/2025

Gambling Harm Awareness Week may be over, but the kōrero doesn’t stop here. Support is available year-round and it’s never too late to reach out, open up, or check in on someone you care about.

💙 Reach out for free, confidential counselling → https://www.pgf.nz/free-counselling
💬 Talk to someone who gets it → 0800 664 262
📋 Take the gambling self-test → https://screener.pgf.nz/gambling-survey
🎙 Listen to the full podcast → https://linktr.ee/pgfservices

With the launch of The Bet podcast, each story reminds us of the strength, resilience, and empowerment that can come from seeking help and making change.

Let’s continue to break stigma, spark a conversation, and offer hope and support.

Last week our PGF Services team connected with communities across Aotearoa during Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2025 💙At ...
08/09/2025

Last week our PGF Services team connected with communities across Aotearoa during Gambling Harm Awareness Week 2025 💙

At libraries, universities, and community spaces, our teams shared resources, answered questions, and created opportunities for open kōrero. These events weren’t just about providing information - they were about building connections and showing support.

We’re grateful to everyone who stopped by, joined the conversation, or picked up resources. Together, we’re helping to reduce stigma and raise awareness of gambling harm. 🙌

👉 For free support and resources, visit https://www.pgf.nz/

🎙 Six voices, six courageous people, six unique stories of gambling harm and hope, six inspiring recollections of transf...
06/09/2025

🎙 Six voices, six courageous people, six unique stories of gambling harm and hope, six inspiring recollections of transformed lives.

Together, they remind us that support is out there and change is possible.

Wondering if gambling is impacting you?

📋 Take our self-test - https://screener.pgf.nz/gambling-survey
💙 Or reach out for free, confidential counselling - https://www.pgf.nz/free-counselling

05/09/2025

🎙 The Bet - Episode 6.

Growing up with gambling in the home can leave scars that last a lifetime. This episode shares the story of a childhood shaped by secrecy, gang life, and the effects that gambling harm can have on families and children - and why support services matter.

💙 Listen to this powerful journey of survival and resilience.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast platform → https://linktr.ee/pgfservices

04/09/2025

🎙 The Bet - Episode 5. Today, our guest opens up about the ripple effects of gambling harm, dual addition, and the path to healing.

Behind every story is courage, resilience, and hope.

🎧 Full story here → https://linktr.ee/pgfservices

Address

128 Khyber Pass Road
Auckland
1150

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+64800664262

Website

https://www.beingplayed.info/, https://linktr.ee/pgfservices

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Our Story

At PGF Services we are trained to help. Our qualified counsellors provide free, professional and confidential counselling for both gamblers and others affected by gambling.

A gambling problem (sometimes called a gambling addiction) can significantly impact your life and the lives of those closest to you. For many people, phoning a gambling helpline or seeking help from anyone at all can be a difficult step to take.

We also have support groups. While they are not run in the same way as Gamblers Anonymous, they are designed for people who would like to work towards and maintain being ‘gamblefree’ or in control of their gambling.

Talking about your gambling, or someone else’s gambling, can bring huge relief and help you get your life back on track. We are here so that you do not need to make changes by yourself without support.