Responsible Gaming
Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, never a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The outcome of all betting and casino games is determined by chance, and no strategy can guarantee a win. Always play within your means and treat any money lost as the cost of entertainment — if the fun stops, stop.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years old to gamble in New Zealand, or 20 years old to enter a land-based casino. Online betting sites that accept NZ players are also required to verify your age. If you are under the legal age, it is illegal to gamble. We strongly encourage parents and guardians to use parental controls and monitor internet use to prevent underage gambling.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually and affect anyone. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do you chase losses by betting more to try to win back what you’ve lost?
- Do you hide your gambling from family, friends, or colleagues?
- Have you lied about how much time or money you spend gambling?
- Do you gamble with money meant for bills, rent, food, or other essentials?
- Do you feel restless or irritable when you try to cut down or stop gambling?
- Have you borrowed money, sold possessions, or taken out loans to gamble?
- Does gambling cause conflicts with your partner, family, or friends?
- Do you gamble to escape from stress, anxiety, depression, or other problems?
- Have you tried to stop gambling but found you couldn’t?
- Do you feel guilty, ashamed, or anxious after a gambling session?
If you answered “yes” to any of these, it may be time to seek support. Problem gambling is a recognised condition, and help is available — you are not alone.
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable betting sites in New Zealand offer tools to help you stay in control. These include:
- Deposit limits – set a daily, weekly, or monthly cap on how much you can deposit.
- Loss limits – limit the amount you can lose over a set period.
- Reality checks – receive pop-up reminders showing how long you’ve been playing.
- Time-outs / cooling-off periods – temporarily suspend your account for 24 hours, a week, a month, or longer.
- Self-exclusion – block yourself from accessing your account for a minimum of 6 months or permanently.
- Account closure – permanently close your betting account.
- Session limits – set a maximum amount of time you can play per session.
We encourage you to activate these tools proactively — even if you don’t currently have a problem. They are free, easy to use, and designed to keep gambling fun and within your control.
Support Organisations
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline New Zealand – 0800 654 655 (free, 24/7), free text 8006, www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
- Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF Group) – 0800 664 262, www.pgf.nz
- Māori Gambling Helpline – 0800 654 656 (for Māori, by Māori), free text 8006
- Salvation Army Oasis – Gambling Support – www.salvationarmy.org.nz/get-help/addictions/gambling
International Visitors (if you are based outside New Zealand)
- 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
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de
- Other countries: Please search for your national gambling helpline or visit Gordon Moody for international resources.
Seek Help Now
If you recognise any warning signs in yourself or someone you care about, do not wait. Reach out to a support organisation today — all services listed above are confidential, non-judgemental, and often free. Remember: gambling problems are treatable, and recovery is possible. Your wellbeing matters more than any bet.