Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
Online casinos should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While casino games can be fun and exciting, it's important to remember that the house always has a mathematical edge. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never view gambling as an investment or income source.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online casino gaming. This is a legal requirement under the Gambling Act 2003. All reputable online casinos require age verification during account registration. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register or gamble.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs, you may be developing a gambling problem. Please seek help:
- Chasing losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
- Hiding gambling: Keeping your gambling secret from family, friends, or partners
- Increasing stakes: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to get the same excitement
- Failed attempts to quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or stop gambling
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling
- Borrowing money: Gambling with borrowed money or using credit to fund gambling
- Mood changes: Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when unable to gamble
- Financial problems: Experiencing money troubles or debt caused by gambling
- Lying about gambling: Dishonesty with others about the amount of time or money spent gambling
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Features
Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you're willing to lose in a given period
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've wagered
- Time-Out: Take a break from gambling for a set period (hours, days, or weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently close your account and exclude yourself from gambling
- Account Cooling-Off: Request a mandatory break before accessing your account
If your chosen casino doesn't offer these features, we recommend choosing one that does.
Get Help: New Zealand & International Support Services
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF): Free, confidential support and counselling. Phone: 0800 664 262 | Website: www.pgf.nz | Email: [email protected]
- Gamblers Anonymous: Peer support meetings across New Zealand. Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
- 1Doc3: Free online counselling available 24/7. Website: www.1doc3.com
International Support (if needed)
- Australia: Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- United Kingdom: GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk | GamStop – www.gamstop.co.uk
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org | 1-800-522-4700
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is a treatable condition. No matter how serious your situation may seem, support is available and recovery is possible. If you're struggling with gambling, please contact the Problem Gambling Foundation on 0800 664 262 (free and confidential) or visit one of the support services listed above.
Your wellbeing is important. You don't have to face this alone.