In a special interview with The Bet’s producers, associate professor of psychology and neuroscience Dr Simone Rodda explains why humans get such a kick out of gambling, why the potential for harm is so great, and what gamblers and their loved ones can do about it.

Topics covered include ..

* What is “rapid play” and why is it so addictive?

* Why do casinos hide their clocks?

* Is there such a thing as “safe” gambling?

* How to spot gambling triggers and relapse risks

* Why self-exclusion online and offline can be the first step towards recovery.

* Practical strategies for families of gamblers.

Warning: These podcast episodes contain content related to challenging topics such as addiction, depression and suicide. Please listen with care.

If you or anyone you know needs help with gambling addiction, get in touch with the Problem Gambling Foundation at www.pgf.nz.

We provide free, confidential advice, tools and counselling. Whether it be from your own gambling or if you are affected by someone else's gambling, we are here to help.

Phone 0800 664 262

Email help@pgf.nz

Text 5819

Visit www.pgf.nz

Linktree https://linktr.ee/pgfservices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gambling can mess up your life – but what’s it like for a gambler’s partner? When Laura’s* mother confronts her over an empty bank account, she assumes her daughter has a secret gambling addiction. The reality is different: Laura’s boyfriend has been using her ID, her credit card and her identity to gamble away her university savings. After suffering in silence for a long time she finally finds the courage to speak up and move through the trauma of her experience as an affected other. Laura's life is now back on track to taking her where she always wanted to go.

(* “Laura” is a pseudonym).

Warning: These podcast episodes contain content related to challenging topics such as addiction, depression and suicide. Please listen with care.

If you or anyone you know needs help with gambling addiction, get in touch with the Problem Gambling Foundation at www.pgf.nz.

We provide free, confidential advice, tools and counselling. Whether it be from your own gambling or if you are affected by someone else's gambling, we are here to help.

Phone 0800 664 262

Email help@pgf.nz

Text 5819

Visit www.pgf.nz

Linktree https://linktr.ee/pgfservices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gambling isn’t really about the money. Just ask Phil. Even when his travel business became successful, his compulsive gambling meant he never held on to his profits for long. But after decades of using pokies and casino bets to stave off loneliness, thanks to a family intervention Phil got the help he needed at PGF to make real, positive and long term change.

Warning: These podcast episodes contain content related to challenging topics such as addiction, depression and suicide. Please listen with care.

If you or anyone you know needs help with gambling addiction, get in touch with the Problem Gambling Foundation at www.pgf.nz.

We provide free, confidential advice, tools and counselling. Whether it be from your own gambling or if you are affected by someone else's gambling, we are here to help.

Phone 0800 664 262

Email help@pgf.nz

Text 5819

Visit www.pgf.nz

Linktree https://linktr.ee/pgfservices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At 18, Johnathan panics during a police pursuit, speeding away and leaving his friends and girlfriend stranded on the roadside. Years later, he recognises that same reckless impulse in his sports betting, where he once lost a $20,000 single bet. For a time he can hide his losses – including thousands from a family inheritance – but eventually they catch up with him. Hear how he made some incredible choices to deal with his addiction and completely turn his life around.

Warning: These podcast episodes contain content related to challenging topics such as addiction, depression and suicide. Please listen with care.

If you or anyone you know needs help with gambling addiction, get in touch with the Problem Gambling Foundation at www.pgf.nz.

We provide free, confidential advice, tools and counselling. Whether it be from your own gambling or if you are affected by someone else's gambling, we are here to help.

Phone 0800 664 262

Email help@pgf.nz

Text 5819

Visit www.pgf.nz

Linktree https://linktr.ee/pgfservices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a childhood marred by bullying and other traumatic experiences, David* seeks the comfort and oblivion of alcohol and gambling. Decades of chaos follow, including homelessness, repeated rehabs and brushes with the law. But after finding the right counsellor at PGF and gaining insight into the effects of complex childhood trauma, a new chapter begins. David finally discovers a pathway to rebuild his life and his sense of worth – without gambling. This is a truly inspirational story of change.

(* “David” is a pseudonym.)

Warning: These podcast episodes contain content related to challenging topics such as addiction, depression and suicide. Please listen with care.

If you or anyone you know needs help with gambling addiction, get in touch with the Problem Gambling Foundation at www.pgf.nz.

We provide free, confidential advice, tools and counselling. Whether it be from your own gambling or if you are affected by someone else's gambling, we are here to help.

Phone 0800 664 262

Email help@pgf.nz

Text 5819

Visit www.pgf.nz

Linktree https://linktr.ee/pgfservices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Bet is back – with five new powerful episodes about how Kiwis are successfully overcome serious gambling addictions. New episodes out September 2026.

Warning: These podcast episodes contain content related to challenging topics such as addiction, depression and suicide. Please listen with care.

If you or anyone you know needs help with gambling addiction, get in touch with the Problem Gambling Foundation at www.pgf.nz.

We provide free, confidential advice, tools and counselling. Whether it be from your own gambling or if you are affected by someone else's gambling, we are here to help.

Phone 0800 664 262

Email help@pgf.nz

Text 5819

Visit www.pgf.nz

Linktree https://linktr.ee/pgfservices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For Sally, a woman overwhelmed by the "black noise" and pressures of life, an online casino offered a silent escape. What began as a peaceful refuge on the couch quickly became an all-consuming obsession. This episode explores the psychological pull of gambling. It tells the story of how after her life almost fallng apart, Sally got the help she needed and did the hard mahi to overcome a powerful addiction. She now lives a happy and healthy life with her family, completely free of gambling.

Warning: These podcast episodes contain content related to challenging topics such as addiction, depression and suicide. Please listen with care.

If you or anyone you know needs help with gambling addiction, get in touch with the Problem Gambling Foundation at www.pgf.nz.

We provide free, confidential advice, tools and counselling. Whether it be from your own gambling or if you are affected by someone else's gambling, we are here to help.

Phone 0800 664 262

Email help@pgf.nz

Text 5819

Visit www.pgf.nz

Linktree https://linktr.ee/pgfservices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ivan describes a childhood spent constantly on the move, hiding in the dark from landlords and living in the unpredictable wake of his father’s actions. One moment his father was a superhero who would gift him a musical instrument, the next he was a destructive "tornado" who would sell it to pay off a gambling debt. This is a compelling story about the instability of growing up with a parent’s gambling harm and the search for solid ground. And it's a story of hope and light as Ivan has worked through his childhood trauma and ended up working to help others overcome their gambling addictions too.

Warning: These podcast episodes contain content related to challenging topics such as addiction, depression and suicide. Please listen with care.

If you or anyone you know needs help with gambling addiction, get in touch with the Problem Gambling Foundation at www.pgf.nz.

We provide free, confidential advice, tools and counselling. Whether it be from your own gambling or if you are affected by someone else's gambling, we are here to help.

Phone 0800 664 262

Email help@pgf.nz

Text 5819

Visit www.pgf.nz

Linktree https://linktr.ee/pgfservices

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.