Responsible Gambling

At our platform, we believe that online gaming should be an enjoyable form of entertainment that never compromises your wellbeing or financial security. While most New Zealand players enjoy pokies and casino games responsibly, we recognise that gambling can become problematic for some individuals. This comprehensive guide provides essential information about responsible gambling practices, warning signs to watch for, and resources available to help you maintain control over your gaming activities.

Understanding Problem Gambling

Problem gambling occurs when gaming activities begin to negatively impact your daily life, relationships, work, or financial situation. Unlike recreational gambling, problem gambling involves a loss of control over betting behaviour, leading to harmful consequences. In New Zealand, research indicates that approximately 0.7% of adults experience significant gambling problems, with online gaming contributing to these statistics.

Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or social status. It often develops gradually, making it difficult to recognise when recreational gaming crosses the line into problematic behaviour. Understanding the nature of problem gambling is the first step toward prevention and seeking appropriate help when needed.

Recognising Warning Signs

Identifying the early warning signs of problem gambling can help prevent more serious consequences from developing. These indicators may appear gradually and can affect various aspects of your life. Pay attention to these common warning signs:

Spending more money on gambling than you can afford to lose
Gambling for longer periods than originally planned
Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to cut down on gambling
Lying to family or friends about your gambling activities
Borrowing money or using credit cards to fund gambling
Neglecting work, family, or social responsibilities due to gambling
Chasing losses by gambling more to win back money
Feeling depressed or suicidal due to gambling losses
Gambling as a way to escape problems or negative emotions
Inability to stop gambling despite wanting to quit

Setting Personal Limits

Establishing clear boundaries before you begin gambling is one of the most effective ways to maintain control over your gaming activities. These limits should be realistic, affordable, and strictly adhered to regardless of whether you're winning or losing. Personal limits help ensure that gambling remains entertainment rather than becoming a financial burden.

Before starting any gaming session, decide on specific amounts for deposits, losses, and time spent playing. Write these limits down and commit to following them. Never increase your limits during a gaming session, especially when experiencing losses. Remember that gambling should never interfere with essential expenses such as rent, groceries, bills, or savings.

Self-Control Tools and Features

Modern online gaming platforms offer various tools designed to help players maintain control over their gambling activities. These features are designed to support responsible gambling practices and should be utilised proactively. Understanding and implementing these tools can significantly reduce the risk of developing gambling problems:

Deposit limits that restrict the amount you can add to your account daily, weekly, or monthly
Loss limits that automatically stop your gaming session once you reach a predetermined loss amount
Session time limits that end your gaming session after a specified duration
Reality checks that provide regular reminders about time spent gambling and money wagered
Cooling-off periods that temporarily restrict access to your account for short durations
Account activity statements that provide detailed records of your gambling behaviour
Self-assessment questionnaires that help evaluate your gambling habits

Self-Exclusion and Timeout Options

Self-exclusion is a powerful tool that allows players to voluntarily ban themselves from gambling activities for specified periods. This measure is particularly valuable for individuals who recognise they need a break from gambling or are concerned about their gaming behaviour. Self-exclusion periods typically range from months to several years, with some offering permanent exclusion options.

Temporary timeout periods provide shorter breaks from gambling, usually ranging from 24 hours to several weeks. These cooling-off periods can be helpful when you feel your gambling is becoming problematic or when you need time to reassess your gaming habits. During exclusion or timeout periods, you cannot access your account or participate in any gambling activities on the platform.

In New Zealand, the Multi-Venue Exclusion (MVE) programme allows individuals to exclude themselves from multiple gambling venues simultaneously. This comprehensive approach ensures that self-exclusion extends beyond online platforms to include land-based gaming venues throughout the country.

Professional Help and Support Services

Various organisations in New Zealand provide professional support and assistance for individuals experiencing gambling problems. These services offer confidential, non-judgmental help through multiple channels including phone counselling, online support, and face-to-face sessions. Seeking professional help is a sign of strength, not weakness, and these services are specifically designed to help people regain control over their gambling behaviour:

Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand – offers free, confidential counselling and support services
Gambling Helpline (0800 654 655) – provides 24/7 telephone support and crisis intervention
Gamblers Anonymous New Zealand – peer support groups for individuals affected by gambling problems
Family/whānau support services – assistance for loved ones affected by someone else's gambling
Māori and Pacific gambling services – culturally appropriate support for indigenous communities
Online counselling platforms – web-based support and resources for remote assistance

Financial Management Strategies

Effective financial management is crucial for maintaining responsible gambling habits and preventing financial harm. Developing a clear understanding of your financial situation and implementing appropriate safeguards can help protect you from gambling-related financial problems.

Create a detailed budget that separates essential expenses from discretionary spending, with gambling falling strictly within the discretionary category. Never gamble with money allocated for necessities such as housing, food, utilities, or debt payments. Consider using separate bank accounts or payment methods specifically for gambling to help maintain clear boundaries between gambling funds and essential finances.

Avoid gambling when you're financially stressed, emotionally upset, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These conditions can impair judgment and lead to poor decision-making regarding gambling expenditure. Keep detailed records of your gambling activities to maintain awareness of spending patterns and their impact on your overall financial health.

Protecting Minors and Vulnerable Individuals

Protecting minors from gambling exposure is a legal and moral responsibility that requires active vigilance from parents, guardians, and gambling operators. In New Zealand, the minimum legal gambling age is 18 years, and strict measures are in place to prevent underage gambling. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in educating young people about gambling risks and monitoring their online activities.

Install parental control software on devices used by minors to block access to gambling websites and applications. Regularly discuss the risks associated with gambling and help young people understand that gambling is not an appropriate way to earn money or solve financial problems. Monitor bank statements and online activity for any signs of unauthorised gambling.

Be aware that vulnerable individuals, including those with mental health conditions, addiction histories, or cognitive impairments, may require additional protection from gambling harm. Family members and friends should remain alert to signs of problematic gambling behaviour and be prepared to offer support or help connect vulnerable individuals with appropriate professional services.

Creating a supportive environment that encourages open communication about gambling and its potential risks is essential for protecting both minors and vulnerable adults. Remember that early intervention and prevention are always more effective than addressing gambling problems after they have become severe.