Students using loan money to fund gambling habit

The rise of using phone apps for gambling is a further lure for students faced with 'ready money' via their student loan money, warn those once caught in the trap.

And the Problem Gambling Foundation warns the apps enable both easy access for gambling and keeping a habit hidden.

One student, attending Ardmore Flight School, used his student allowance to gamble at casinos as well as on gambling apps.

“At the time I would use my student allowance and my own money combined, so I was able to bet big on table games such as blackjack or poker,” said the student who wished to remain anonymous.

“Not only the casino but the TAB app -  I would also gamble often on there.”

His gambling habit went on for two years until he lost a large sum of money  - and then decided to use Sky City Casino's 'self-exclusion' service to ban himself.

‘’One night I ended up playing on the poker tables, losing $5000 in a matter of minutes.

‘’That was when I finally realised I had a problem and went up to the casino staff asking to ban myself.’’

The student said he regrets gambling, wishing he had saved the money for his tertiary fees since flight school is expensive.

Another student also used his student loan money to gamble before managing to stop.

“It's an easy trap to get into once you get started because the money is practically given to you and that creates the habit.

“Now I am happy that I no longer gamble in any form anymore."

While it is not known how many students may use loans to fund gambling, Problem Gambling Foundation director Andree Froude says it raising awareness of gambling harm and how to  get support would be good for students.

"Someone who is being harmed by their gambling often will use any money available to them as the urge to gamble becomes very strong if a person is addicted.’’

Easy access to using a phone to gamble means people can access gambling websites 24/7 and can easily hide their addictions, he warns.

‘’You can carry it around in your pocket and gamble at any time of the day or night.’’

But, like self-banning from physical casinos, there are options to help.

‘’We know many banks offer voluntary blocking of online gambling sites on visa credit and debit cards for their customers.

‘’So there is always something that can be done to minimise harm.’’