Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Financial Solution
At addnz.org.nz, we're committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. Online casino gaming should be enjoyed as entertainment only – never as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. If you find yourself gambling to make money or recover losses, it's time to seek help.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age (or the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction) to participate in online casino gaming in New Zealand. All licensed online casinos operating in NZ are required to verify your age before allowing you to play. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble online.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do you recognise any of these warning signs in your own behaviour? If so, problem gambling may be affecting your life:
- Chasing losses by gambling more money to try to recover what you've lost
- Hiding your gambling from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling with money you cannot afford to lose (rent, bills, essentials)
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Neglecting work, school, family, or social commitments due to gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Borrowing money or getting into debt to fund gambling
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
Self-Help Tools & Features
Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control of your gaming:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Cap the maximum amount you're prepared to lose during a session
- Reality Checks: Receive reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic breaks or session end times
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from an online casino
- Account Cooling Off: Take a mandatory break from your account (typically 24 hours to several weeks)
We recommend using these tools proactively, even if you don't currently feel you need them.
Support Organisations & Resources
If you're struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential support:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (Te Puna Awhina) – Free counselling and support for problem gambling in NZ
Phone: 0800 664 262 (toll-free)
Website: www.pgf.nz - Gamblers Anonymous NZ – Peer support meetings and recovery resources
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
International Resources
- GamCare (United Kingdom) – Free support for problem gambling
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (United Kingdom) – National self-exclusion scheme
www.gamstop.co.uk - Gambling Help Online (Australia) – Counselling and support services
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) – Research, education, and prevention programs
www.responsiblegambling.org - National Council on Problem Gambling (United States) – Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is a recognised mental health issue, and recovery is possible. You don't have to face this alone. Whether you're concerned about your own gambling or that of someone close to you, there are trained professionals ready to help – and it's completely free and confidential.
Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation (Te Puna Awhina) on 0800 664 262 or visit www.pgf.nz for immediate support.