Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online casino gaming is designed to be a form of entertainment. It should never be viewed as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Please only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and always set strict limits on your time and spending.
Age Verification
Online gambling in New Zealand is only available to individuals aged 18 years or older. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet the minimum legal age requirement before participating in any online casino activities. All licensed operators are required to verify your age during registration.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you experience any of the following, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling with money intended for bills, rent, or essential expenses
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when unable to gamble
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Neglecting work, study, or relationships due to gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Failed attempts to reduce or control gambling
- Experiencing mood swings related to gambling wins or losses
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online casinos offer built-in tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Cap the maximum amount you're willing to lose during a session or time period
- Betting Limits: Restrict the size of individual bets
- Reality Checks: Receive reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Time-Out (Cool-Off Period): Take a break from gambling for a set period (hours, days, or weeks) while retaining account access
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from an operator for an extended period, with account suspension and restricted access
Use these tools proactively to maintain healthy gambling habits.
Support Organizations in New Zealand
If you're struggling with gambling, confidential support is available:
New Zealand Services
-
Problem Gambling Foundation (New Zealand)
Free and confidential support service
Phone: 0800 664 262
Website: www.pgf.nz -
Gambling Helpline (New Zealand)
24/7 support and counselling
Phone: 0800 654 655
Email: [email protected] -
Samaritans New Zealand
24/7 emotional support (includes gambling-related distress)
Phone: 1737 (call or text, free)
Website: www.samaritans.org.nz
International Services
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GamCare (UK)
www.gamcare.org.uk -
GamStop (UK Self-Exclusion)
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
If You Need Help
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please reach out to one of the support organisations listed above. They offer confidential, non-judgmental assistance and can provide tailored support to help you regain control.
Remember: there is always a way out, and help is always available.