Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online casinos should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While gaming can be fun and exciting, it's important to approach it with a responsible mindset and set clear boundaries for yourself.
Remember: the house always has a mathematical edge. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling. All licensed online casinos operating under NZ law are required to verify the age and identity of their players before allowing access to gaming.
If you are under 18, online gambling is not available to you. Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss responsible gaming with young people in their care.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses by gambling more money to try to recover what you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling with money needed for essentials like bills, rent, or food
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to reduce or stop gambling
- Neglecting work, school, hobbies, or relationships due to gambling
- Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Using gambling as an escape from stress, depression, or anxiety
- Having difficulty controlling the urge to gamble
If several of these signs apply to you, professional support is available and can make a real difference.
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a session or time period
- Betting Limits: Restrict the size of individual bets you can place
- Reality Checks: Enable reminders at regular intervals about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Time-Out: Take a temporary break from your account (hours or days) to step back and reflect
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently close your account if you need to stop gambling
Use these tools proactively. They are designed to support your enjoyment and protect your wellbeing.
Support Organizations
If you're struggling with gambling, confidential support is available. Here are trusted organisations that can help:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline (NZ): www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz — Free, confidential support and counselling for problem gambling. Phone: 0800 664 262
- Problem Gambling Foundation: www.problemgambling.org.nz — Dedicated resources and support services for New Zealanders
International Support
- GamCare (UK): www.gamcare.org.uk — Support for problem gambling across the UK
- GamStop (UK): www.gamstop.co.uk — National self-exclusion scheme for UK online gambling
- Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au — Counselling and support for Australian gamblers
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): www.responsiblegambling.org — Evidence-based resources for harm prevention
- National Council on Problem Gambling (USA): www.ncpgambling.org — Information and referrals for US-based support
All of these services provide confidential advice at no cost. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Take Action Today
If you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling, don't hesitate to seek help. Support is available, and recovery is possible.
Contact the Gambling Helpline (NZ) today: 0800 664 262 or visit www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
Remember: asking for help is a positive step towards taking back control of your life.