Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
Online casino gaming should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While playing at online casinos can be fun and exciting, it's important to understand that the house always has a mathematical advantage. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be at least 18 years old to gamble legally. By using eighteen.co.nz, you confirm that you are of legal gambling age in your jurisdiction. Online casinos are required to verify your identity and age before allowing you to play. If you are under 18, please do not access gambling websites.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone else, problem gambling may be developing:
- Chasing losses by gambling more money to try to recover what you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activity or lying about how much you're spending
- Gambling with money needed for essential expenses like rent, bills, or food
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to reduce gambling
- Gambling for longer periods than intended
- Neglecting family, friends, work, or education due to gambling
- Borrowing money or accumulating debt to fund gambling
- Experiencing mood swings or depression related to gambling losses
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative feelings
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gambling Features
Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control of your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on the amount you can deposit
- Loss Limits: Restrict the amount you can lose during a specific timeframe
- Betting Limits: Cap the maximum amount you can wager per bet
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders about how long you've been playing and money spent
- Time-Out: Take a break from gambling for a set period (days to weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Exclude yourself from a casino for an extended period, which is difficult to reverse
We encourage you to use these tools if you feel your gambling is becoming problematic.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Here are trusted organisations offering support:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline NZ: Free, confidential support available 24/7
Phone: 0800 664 262 | www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz - Problem Gambling Foundation: Information, support, and resources
www.problemgambling.nz
International Resources
- GamCare (UK): www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (UK Self-Exclusion): www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (USA): www.ncpgambling.org
Need Help?
If you believe you may have a gambling problem, please reach out for support today. Problem gambling is treatable, and there is no shame in seeking help. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can regain control of your life.
Contact the Gambling Helpline NZ on 0800 664 262 (free and confidential, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or visit www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz.