Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
Online betting and casino games should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. They are games of chance and should never be viewed as a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and there is no strategy that can guarantee wins.
Please gamble responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
All online betting operators in New Zealand require users to be 18 years of age or older to open an account and participate in gambling activities. This is a legal requirement to protect minors from gambling-related harm.
If you are under 18, please do not attempt to access betting sites. If you are a parent or guardian concerned about a young person's gambling, please contact support organisations listed below.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognise any of the following warning signs in yourself or someone else, please seek help immediately:
- Chasing Losses: Continuing to gamble in an attempt to recover money you've lost
- Hiding Gambling Activity: Concealing the extent of your gambling from friends, family, or loved ones
- Loss of Control: Inability to stick to predetermined betting limits or time spent gambling
- Increasing Stakes: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to achieve the same level of excitement
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling
- Financial Problems: Borrowing money to gamble or using money intended for bills and essentials
- Mood Changes: Becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed when unable to gamble
- Unsuccessful Attempts to Quit: Repeated failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Lying About Gambling: Deceiving others about the amount of time or money spent on gambling
- Risky Behaviour: Gambling under the influence of alcohol or other substances
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gambling Features
Most reputable betting operators provide built-in tools to help you maintain control over your gambling. We encourage you to use these features:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the maximum amount of money you are willing to lose in a given period
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders about how long you have been gambling and how much you've spent
- Session Time Limits: Automatically log you out after a set period of gaming activity
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from an operator's platform for a period you choose (days, weeks, months, or years)
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely
These tools are free and available to all players. Using them is a sign of responsible gambling behaviour.
Support Organisations in New Zealand & Internationally
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Please reach out to one of these organisations:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline (New Zealand): Free and confidential support service.
π 0800 654 655 (24/7) | π§ [email protected] | π www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz - Problem Gambling Foundation: Provides free counselling and support services across New Zealand. π www.problemgambling.org.nz
International Support
- Australia - Gambling Help Online: Free counselling and support. π www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- United Kingdom - GamCare: Free, confidential support and self-help tools. π www.gamcare.org.uk
- United Kingdom - GamStop: National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling operators. π www.gamstop.co.uk
- Canada - Responsible Gambling Council: Information and resources for problem gambling. π www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States - National Council on Problem Gambling: Information and helpline for problem gambling. π 1-800-522-4700 | π www.ncpgambling.org
All support organisations listed are confidential, free, and staffed by trained professionals who understand problem gambling.
If You Have a Problem, Seek Help Today
Problem gambling is a serious issue, but it is treatable. If you believe you or someone close to you has a gambling problem, please:
- Acknowledge the problem β Recognising the issue is the first step
- Reach out for help β Contact one of the support organisations listed above
- Use self-exclusion tools β Take immediate action to restrict your access to gambling
- Talk to someone you trust β Share your concerns with a friend, family member, or healthcare professional
You are not alone. Help is available, and recovery is possible.
This page was last updated in 2026. Information about support organisations and gambling regulations may change. For the most current resources and assistance, please visit the Gambling Helpline New Zealand website or call 0800 654 655.