Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
Online casino gaming should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. It is never a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. Please gamble responsibly and within your means. Only spend money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling activities. All licensed online casinos operating in NZ are required to verify your age before allowing access to their services.
If you are under 18, please do not attempt to gamble. Problem gambling can develop at any age and has serious consequences for individuals and families.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Be aware of these common warning signs that gambling may be becoming a problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Gambling with money intended for bills, rent, or essential expenses
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about the amount of time or money spent
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to reduce gambling
- Neglecting work, school, family, or social relationships due to gambling
- Borrowing money to finance gambling activities
- Experiencing mood swings or depression related to gambling outcomes
- Failed attempts to stop or cut back on gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or negative feelings
- Using gambling as a way to cope with stress or anxiety
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you care about, seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online casinos provide tools to help you maintain control of your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you can lose in a given period
- Bet Limits: Control the size of individual bets you can place
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic session timeouts to prevent extended gambling periods
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from a casino for a specified period (ranging from days to years)
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely
Use these tools proactively to manage your gambling behaviour. Most casinos make these options easily accessible in account settings.
Get Help – Support Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, support is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential help:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline NZ – Phone: 0800 654 655 (free, 24/7) | Website: www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
- Problem Gambling Foundation – Phone: 09 302 0800 | Website: www.pgf.nz
International Support
- GamCare (UK) – www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (UK Self-Exclusion Scheme) – www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gambling Help Online (Australia) – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) – www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (USA) – www.ncpgambling.org
Take Action Today
If gambling is negatively affecting your life, your relationships, or your finances, please reach out for help now. There is no shame in seeking support – problem gambling is a recognised condition that can be treated.
Contact the Gambling Helpline NZ on 0800 654 655 (free, 24/7) or visit www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
Remember: You are not alone, and help is available.