Responsible Gaming
Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, and never chase wins as a source of income. If gambling stops being fun, it’s time to stop.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years old to gamble online in New Zealand, or meet the higher local legal age if required by a specific venue (for example, land-based casinos in NZ require you to be 20+). Always verify your age truthfully. Underage gambling is illegal and can have serious consequences.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Ask yourself if any of these apply to you:
- Chasing losses – trying to win back money you’ve lost
- Hiding your gambling from family or friends
- Gambling with money meant for bills, rent, or essentials
- Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down
- Lying about time or money spent gambling
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble
- Neglecting work, study, or relationships due to gambling
- Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or low mood
If you recognise several of these signs in yourself or someone you care about, please seek help – it is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit limits – set daily, weekly, or monthly caps on how much you can deposit
- Loss limits – restrict the amount you can lose over a set period
- Reality checks – on-screen reminders of how long you’ve been playing
- Time-out / cool-off periods – take a break for 24 hours up to several weeks
- Self-exclusion – block yourself from gambling for months or permanently
Use these tools proactively. They are designed to keep gambling safe and enjoyable.
Support Organisations
If you need confidential, free support, contact a specialist organisation in your region:
- New Zealand: Gambling Helpline New Zealand – www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz (0800 654 655) and Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand – www.pgf.nz
- United Kingdom: GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk and 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 (1-800-GAMBLER)
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de
- Other countries: Look for your national gambling helpline or visit GamCare for international resources and live chat support.
If You Have a Problem, Seek Help Now
You are not alone. Problem gambling is a recognised health issue and effective help is available. Reach out today to a support service above, speak to a trusted friend or family member, or contact your GP. Taking the first step can change your life.