Responsible Gaming

Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The odds are designed so that the house always has an edge, and losses are part of the activity. Never chase losses, and only gamble with money you can afford to lose. Set limits before you start and stick to them.

Age Verification

You must be of legal gambling age to participate in any real-money gaming. In New Zealand, the legal age is 18 for most online gambling services and 20 for land-based casinos. Always verify the specific age requirement for the service you use. Underage gambling is illegal and may result in forfeiture of winnings and criminal charges. Operators are required to verify your identity and age before allowing deposits or withdrawals. If you are underage, do not attempt to gamble.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone. If you recognise several of the following signs in yourself or someone you care about, it may be time to seek help:

• Chasing losses – trying to win back money you have lost by gambling more.
• Hiding gambling activity or lying about time and money spent.
• Spending more than you can afford, or using money meant for bills, rent, or essentials.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling.
• Neglecting work, study, family, or social responsibilities due to gambling.
• Feeling guilty, anxious, or depressed after gambling.
• Being unable to stop or cut back despite repeated attempts.
• Gambling to escape from stress, anxiety, or other problems.
• Losing interest in other hobbies or activities.
• Becoming defensive or irritable when asked about gambling.

Self-Help Tools

Most reputable online casinos offer practical tools to help you stay in control. You can typically access these in your account settings or by contacting customer support:

• Deposit limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month.
• Loss limits: Cap the amount you are allowed to lose over a set period.
• Reality checks: Receive pop-up reminders showing how long you have been playing and how much you have spent.
• Time-outs: Take a short break from your account, usually from 24 hours up to several weeks.
• Self-exclusion: Block yourself from accessing the site for a longer period (e.g., 6 months, 1 year, or permanently). This is the most effective tool if you feel you are losing control.

Use these tools proactively. Even if you do not have a gambling problem, setting limits before you start is a healthy habit.

Support Organisations

If you or someone you know needs help, please contact a professional support service. They are free, confidential, and available 24/7 in most cases.

New Zealand

• Gambling Helpline New Zealand – Free, confidential support and counselling.
  Phone: 0800 654 655 (24/7)
  Website: www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
• Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF Services) – Free face-to-face and online counselling.
  Website: www.pgf.nz
• Lifeline Aotearoa – For crisis support and suicide prevention.
  Phone: 0800 543 354 (24/7)
  Website: www.lifeline.org.nz

United Kingdom

• GamCare – National provider of information, advice, and support.
  Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop – Free self-exclusion scheme for UK-licensed online gambling.
  Website: www.gamstop.co.uk

Australia

• Gambling Help Online – Free, confidential support for Australians.
  Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au

Canada

• Responsible Gambling Council (RGC) – Prevention, education, and support resources.
  Website: www.responsiblegambling.org

United States

• National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) – Helpline and state-specific resources.
  Website: www.ncpgambling.org
  Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER

Germany

• Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – Federal Centre for Health Education.
  Website: www.bzga.de (search for "Glücksspielsucht")

If your country is not listed above, please search for your national problem gambling helpline or visit Gambling Therapy for international support.

Seek Help Today

If you recognise any warning signs in yourself or someone you care about, please do not wait. Reach out to a professional service now. Problem gambling is a treatable condition, and recovery is possible. You are not alone, and help is available free of charge and in complete confidence.

Remember: Gambling should never be used as a way to make money. Only gamble what you can afford to lose, set strict limits, and stop if it stops being fun.