Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
Online casino gaming should only ever be viewed as entertainment, similar to going to the movies or watching a sports event. It is never a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and you should only gamble with money you can afford to lose completely.
If you find yourself relying on gambling as a source of income or to cover expenses, it's time to seek help.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction) to participate in online casino gaming in New Zealand. All reputable online casinos require strict age verification during registration. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to access gambling services.
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
- Gambling with money intended for bills, rent, or essential expenses
- Hiding your gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
- Spending more time and money gambling than you planned
- Feeling irritable or anxious when trying to cut down or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
- Lying about the extent of your gambling
- Failed attempts to reduce or control gambling
- Neglecting work, school, family, or social responsibilities due to gambling
If you recognize yourself in these signs, reach out for support immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online casinos offer built-in tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a daily, weekly, or monthly limit on how much you can deposit
- Loss Limits: Restrict the amount you're willing to lose in a set period
- Session Limits: Set time limits for how long you can play in one session
- Reality Checks: Receive regular pop-up reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently close your account to prevent access to gambling services
- Account Closure: Permanently delete your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely
Use these tools proactively. They are designed to protect you and promote responsible gaming habits.
Support & Help Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, these organizations offer free, confidential support:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (NZ)
Helpline: 0800 664 262
Website: www.pgf.nz
Free counselling and support services for people affected by problem gambling - Gamblers Anonymous (NZ)
Support meetings throughout New Zealand
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
Peer support and 12-step recovery program
International Resources
- GamCare (United Kingdom)
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Counselling and support for problem gamblers - GamStop (United Kingdom)
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling - Gambling Help Online (Australia)
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Free counselling and self-help information - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
Evidence-based resources and support - National Council on Problem Gambling (United States)
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Helpline: 1-800-522-4700
Confidential support and referrals
If You Need Help, Please Reach Out
Problem gambling is a serious issue that can affect your mental health, finances, and relationships. The good news is that help is available, and recovery is possible. If you or someone close to you is struggling with gambling:
- Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation (NZ) on 0800 664 262 for confidential support
- Visit a support organization's website to access counselling or self-help resources
- Talk to a trusted friend, family member, or healthcare professional
- Use self-exclusion tools to take immediate control of your gambling
You are not alone, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.