Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
Online pokies and casino games are designed for entertainment purposes only. While they can be enjoyable, it's important to understand that gambling should never be relied upon as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The odds always favour the house, and losses are a real possibility. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and always set limits before you start.
Age Verification
Online gambling in New Zealand is strictly regulated. You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online pokies and casino gaming. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble online. If you're under the legal age, please do not attempt to register or play. Parents and guardians should monitor young people's internet activity to prevent underage gambling.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you notice any of the following warning signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing Losses: Continuing to gamble to try to recover money you've lost
- Hiding Gambling Activity: Keeping your gambling secret from family, friends, or partners
- Spending More Than Planned: Regularly gambling longer or with more money than you intended
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling
- Borrowing to Gamble: Taking loans or using credit to fund gambling activities
- Increasing Stakes: Needing to bet more to achieve the same level of excitement
- Failed Attempts to Stop: Repeatedly trying to cut back or quit without success
- Mood Changes: Becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed when not gambling
- Using Gambling to Escape: Gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, or other difficult emotions
- Financial Difficulties: Struggling to pay bills or debts because of gambling
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gambling Features
Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control. Use these features to protect yourself:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the amount of money you're willing to lose in a set period
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic time restrictions to prevent extended gambling sessions
- Reality Checks: Enable notifications that remind you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from playing at one or more casinos
- Game Restrictions: Exclude yourself from specific games or betting options
- Take a Break: Use cooling-off periods to step away from gambling for a set duration
We encourage you to use these tools proactively, even if you don't currently feel you have a problem.
Support Organizations & Helplines
If you're struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organisations offer free, confidential support:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (Te Ōpai Whakatunga Pūtea): Free gambling helpline and support services
www.pgf.nz
Phone: 0800 664 262 (Free, 24/7) - Gambling Helpline (Diabetes New Zealand): Confidential support and counselling
Phone: 0800 006 886 (Free, 24/7)
International Support
- GamCare (United Kingdom): www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (United Kingdom): www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (United States): www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is a serious issue, but it's treatable. You're not alone, and seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you're concerned about your own gambling or that of someone you care about, please contact one of the organisations above. They offer free, confidential support without judgment.
Remember: It's never too late to ask for help.
Blue Angel (blueangel.co.nz) is committed to promoting responsible gambling. This content is for informational purposes and is designed to support the wellbeing of our visitors. Gambling should only be undertaken by those aged 18+ and should be enjoyed responsibly as a form of entertainment.