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 advantage in the long run. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, and set strict limits on time and money spent.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years or older to gamble online in New Zealand. For land-based casinos in New Zealand, the legal age is 20. Always verify your age before registering at any betting site. Providing false information about your age is illegal and may result in forfeiture of winnings.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or a loved one, it may indicate a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses – trying to win back money you have lost.
- Hiding gambling activity from family or friends.
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended.
- Neglecting work, study, or family responsibilities because of gambling.
- Borrowing money or selling possessions to gamble.
- Feeling guilty, anxious, or depressed after gambling.
- Lying about how much you gamble.
- Being unable to stop or cut back on gambling.
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable New Zealand betting sites offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month.
- Loss limits: Cap the amount you can lose over a set period.
- Reality checks: Receive reminders about how long you have been playing.
- Self-exclusion: Block yourself from accessing your account for a chosen period (from 6 months to permanent).
- Time-outs: Take a short break from gambling (e.g., 24 hours to 6 weeks).
- Account history: Review your gambling activity to stay aware of your behaviour.
Support Organisations
If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to these professional services. All contacts are free, confidential, and available 24/7 where indicated.
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline New Zealand – 0800 654 655 (free, 24/7) | gamblinghelpline.co.nz
- PGF Services (Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand) – 0800 664 262 | pgf.nz
International Support
- United Kingdom: 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
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling –
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