Responsible Gaming

Gambling should be a form of entertainment, never a way to earn money or solve financial pressure. Set a budget you can afford to lose, keep play social and treat any losses as the cost of fun. This page explains how to play safely, recognise problems and seek support in New Zealand.

Age Verification

You must be at least 18 years old to gamble online with most operators. In New Zealand, land-based casino entry requires 20+; other gambling products may require 18+. Always confirm the legal age for your product and location before depositing. Operators may ask for ID and proof of address to verify your age and identity.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

• Chasing losses by depositing more to win back what you lost
• Hiding gambling from friends, whānau or family
• Spending more money or time than planned
• Borrowing money or selling belongings to keep playing
• Missing work, study or family commitments due to gambling
• Feeling restless, anxious or irritable when trying to cut down
• Lying about losses or downplaying how often you play
• Using gambling to escape stress, low mood or loneliness

Even one sign can be a reason to take a break and seek support.

Self-Help Tools

Most safe gambling sites offer controls you can activate in your account settings:

• Deposit limits — cap how much money you can add daily, weekly or monthly
• Loss limits — stop play after reaching a set loss amount
• Reality checks — pop-up reminders showing how long you have been playing
• Session time limits — automatically log you out after a chosen period
• Cooling-off periods — temporary breaks from your account
• Self-exclusion — block access to gambling sites for a longer period

Activating these tools does not close your account permanently unless you choose self-exclusion. You can adjust stricter limits at any time.

Support Organisations

In New Zealand, contact:

• Gambling Helpline New Zealand — 0800 654 655 (free, 24/7) — gamblinghelpline.co.nz
• Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand — pgf.nz (offers free counselling and support)

For visitors from other regions, these trusted services are available:

• 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
• US: National Council on Problem Gambling — www.ncpgambling.org
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung — www.bzga.de
• Other countries: use the national helpline or service operating in your region; a quick web search for your country’s gambling helpline will connect you to free local support.

Seek Help Today

If you recognise any warning signs or feel gambling is taking more than it gives, you do not have to manage it alone. Call 0800 654 655 in New Zealand or use one of the services above. Support is free, confidential and available around the clock.