Auckland Now – A new game show with a difference has hit our TV screens in a bid to help people recognise the early signs of harmful gambling.

“This is a new approach to help people protect themselves and others from gambling harm,” Grant Reihana, Team Leader for Raukura Hauora o Tainui says.

Department of Internal Affairs figures show more than $2 billion is lost to gambling nationwide each year.

Mr Reihana says the same data shows more than $53 million was  lost to non-casino gaming machines in the Auckland region alone during the first three months of 2014.

The fictional game show is being screened as a television advertisement and features former Small Blacks TV presenter Nua Finau as the charismatic host and explains three key signs that someone’s gambling is becoming more than just fun.

“Spending more to win back money you’ve lost , hiding or lying about your gambling, and suffering feelings of guilt or stress are all warning signs that your gambling could be getting out of hand,”  Mr Preston says.

“Any indications of any of these signs could show that you’re experiencing gambling harm. And it’s not just about people with serious gambling problems.

“We want everyone to be aware and do something as soon as any of the signs are noticed. All too often we see clients when they are experiencing real harm from their gambling. This is a great way to encourage people to make changes and seek help earlier.