The Ministry of Health has reported a 25% rise in the number of problem gamblers using its counselling services between 2008 and 2009.
The ministry says much of the problem gambling is related to gaming machines in pubs and clubs, of which there are 19,000 in the country.
Of the 6,673 people who sought help last year, 70% were new clients.
However, the ministry says those seeking help are just a small proportion of those with gambling problems.
