Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online casino gaming should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While online casinos offer exciting gaming experiences, it's important to remember that the house always has a mathematical advantage. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and set limits before you start playing.
Age Verification
Online gambling in New Zealand is only legal for individuals aged 18 years or older. All licensed online casinos operating in New Zealand are required to verify the age of their players. If you are under 18, you must not use online casino services. Providing false information about your age is illegal and may result in serious consequences.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Spending more money or time gambling than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win back money
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about how much you gamble
- Neglecting family, work, or social responsibilities due to gambling
- Feeling anxious, stressed, or irritable when not gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
- Borrowing money or going into debt to finance gambling
- Experiencing relationship conflicts related to gambling
- Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Gambling with increasing amounts to achieve the same excitement
Self-Help Tools
Most responsible online casinos offer built-in tools to help you maintain control of your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you're willing to deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the amount of money you're willing to lose during a gaming session
- Session Time Limits: Set a maximum duration for your gaming sessions to prevent extended play
- Reality Checks: Enable periodic reminders during play to check how long you've been gaming and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing online casino accounts
Use these tools proactively to maintain healthy gaming habits. Most casinos make these features easily accessible in account settings.
Support Organizations for Problem Gambling
If you're struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available. Contact these trusted organizations:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline NZ - Free, confidential support
Phone: 0800 654 655
Website: www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz - Samaritans NZ - Crisis support and counseling
Phone: 1800 726 666
Website: www.samaritans.org.nz
International Support Resources
- GamCare (UK) - www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (UK) - National 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 (US) - www.ncpgambling.org
Take Action Today
If you're experiencing signs of problem gambling or feel that your gaming is getting out of control, reach out for help immediately. There is no shame in seeking support — gambling problems are common and treatable. Contact the Gambling Helpline NZ at 0800 654 655 or visit their website for confidential assistance.
Remember: Help is available, recovery is possible, and you don't have to face this alone.