Responsible Gaming
Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Before you play, set a budget you can afford to lose, and never chase losses. If gambling stops being fun, it’s time to step back.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years or older to gamble legally online. We strongly encourage all players to verify their age and identity with the casino operator. Underage gambling is illegal and harmful. If you are under 18, do not access gambling sites.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Ask yourself if you recognise any of these signs:
- Chasing losses – trying to win back money you have lost.
- Hiding gambling from family or friends.
- Spending more time or money on gambling than you planned.
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble.
- Feeling anxious, guilty, or depressed about your gambling.
- Neglecting work, study, or relationships because of gambling.
- Lying about how much you gamble.
- Being unable to stop or cut back, even when you want to.
If you experience one or more of these signs, consider talking to someone you trust or contacting a support service.
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable online casinos offer built-in tools to help you stay in control. Use them proactively:
- Deposit limits – set a maximum amount you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly.
- Loss limits – cap the amount you can lose within a chosen period.
- Reality checks – receive pop-up reminders about how long you have been playing.
- Time-out periods – take a short break from gambling for 24 hours, 7 days, or longer.
- Self-exclusion – block yourself from accessing the casino for a set period, usually from 6 months up to permanent exclusion.
You can also set your own personal limits outside the casino and ask a friend or family member to help you stay accountable.
Support Organizations
If you are in New Zealand, please reach out to these free, confidential services:
- Gambling Helpline New Zealand – 0800 654 655 (free, 24/7) – www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
- Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF Services) – www.pgf.nz
If you are outside New Zealand, contact your local responsible gambling organisation. Examples include:
- UK: GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk · GamStop – www.gamstop.co.uk
- Australia: Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de
- Other countries: search for your national gambling helpline or visit Gamblers Anonymous for local meetings.
Seek Help Today
If you think you or someone you care about may have a gambling problem, please do not wait. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Contact a support service now — taking that first step can make all the difference.