Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment

Gambling is a form of entertainment, not a way to make money or solve financial problems. Always play for fun, set limits you can afford, and never chase losses. If gambling stops being enjoyable or starts causing stress, it may be time to take a break or seek help.

Age Verification

You must be at least 18 years old to gamble online. However, the legal age for casino gambling in New Zealand is 20 years. Online gambling operators may require proof of age. Underage gambling is illegal and can lead to serious consequences. Always verify your age and adhere to the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone. If you or someone you know experiences any of the following, it may be a sign that gambling is becoming a problem:

• Chasing losses – trying to win back money you’ve lost by gambling more.
• Hiding gambling activity from family or friends.
• Spending more time or money on gambling than intended.
• Lying about how much you gamble or how much you lose.
• Neglecting work, study, family, or social responsibilities because of gambling.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling.
• Feeling restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop.
• Gambling to escape from stress, anxiety, or depression.

Self-Help Tools

Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you stay in control. These may include:

• Deposit limits – set a maximum amount you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly.
• Loss limits – cap the amount you can lose over a set period.
• Reality checks – reminders that pop up after a certain time to show how long you’ve been playing.
• Self-exclusion – block yourself from accessing your account for a chosen period (days, months, or permanently).
• Time-out periods – short breaks from gambling (24 hours to several weeks).

Use these tools proactively, even before you feel you need them. They are designed to help you maintain a healthy balance.

Support Organisations in New Zealand

If you are concerned about your own gambling or someone else’s, free and confidential help is available in New Zealand:

• Gambling Helpline New Zealand – call 0800 654 655 or text 8006 for 24/7 free, confidential support. Website: gamblinghelpline.co.nz
• Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF) – provides free counselling and support services across the country. Website: www.pgf.nz

If you are accessing this website from outside New Zealand, please contact your local problem gambling support service. Examples include:

• UK: GamCare and GamStop
• Australia: Gambling Help Online
• Canada: Responsible Gambling Council
• United States: National Council on Problem Gambling
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)

Seek Help If You Need It

If you feel that gambling is no longer a form of entertainment but a source of distress, please reach out. You are not alone, and seeking help is a sign of strength. Contact the Gambling Helpline New Zealand at 0800 654 655 or text 8006 today. Professional, non-judgmental support is available free of charge, 24 hours a day.