Responsible Gaming
Keeping Gambling Safe and Enjoyable
Gambling should always be a form of entertainment — a fun way to enjoy your favourite games and events. It is not a way to make money, pay off debts, or solve financial problems. The odds are designed so that, over time, the house always has an edge. Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose, and never chase losses in the hope of winning back what you have spent.
If gambling stops being enjoyable, causes stress, or begins to affect your daily life, it is time to take a step back and seek support. Remember: help is always available, and asking for it is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Age Verification: 18+ Only
In New Zealand, the legal age for all forms of gambling is 18 years or older. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble online or at any land-based venue. We strongly encourage all users to verify their age before signing up to any betting site. If you are under 18, please leave this website immediately and do not attempt to create an account or place a bet.
Parents and guardians: consider using parental control software or website blockers to restrict access to gambling sites for minors.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Recognising the signs early is the first step towards regaining control. Ask yourself honestly if any of the following apply to you:
- Chasing losses — returning another day to try and win back money you have lost.
- Hiding your gambling from family, friends, or colleagues.
- Lying about how much time or money you spend gambling.
- Gambling with money meant for essential expenses like rent, bills, or food.
- Borrowing money, selling possessions, or taking out loans to gamble.
- Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when trying to cut down or stop.
- Neglecting work, study, or family responsibilities because of gambling.
- Gambling to escape from stress, anxiety, or depression.
- Needing to gamble with larger amounts of money to feel the same excitement.
- Continuing to gamble despite negative consequences.
If you recognise two or more of these signs in yourself, it may be time to seek professional help.
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable online betting sites offer practical tools to help you stay in control. You can usually find these in your account settings. Common tools include:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month.
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount of money you can lose over a set period.
- Reality Checks: Receive on-screen reminders of how long you have been playing.
- Time-Outs: Temporarily block yourself from accessing your account for a chosen period (e.g., 24 hours, 7 days, 30 days).
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently or long-term block yourself from a specific site or multiple sites.
- Session Time Limits: Restrict the length of each gambling session.
We encourage you to use these tools proactively — set limits before you start playing, not after.
Support Organisations in New Zealand
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please contact one of the following free and confidential services. They offer professional advice, support groups, and counselling — no judgement, just help.
- Gambling Helpline New Zealand
Phone: 0800 654 655 (free, 24/7)
Website: www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
Provides free, confidential support, information, and counselling for anyone affected by gambling harm. - Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF Services)
Phone: 0800 664 262 (free)
Website: www.pgf.nz
Offers face-to-face and online counselling, group therapy, and support for families and friends.
These services are independent of the gambling industry and will not share your information without your consent.
Seek Help Today
If you have a problem with gambling — or suspect you might be developing one — please reach out. The earlier you seek help, the easier it is to regain control. You are not alone, and recovery is possible. Call 0800 654 655 now or visit Gambling Helpline New Zealand for free, confidential support any time of day or night.
Remember: gambling should be fun. If it stops being fun, it is time to stop gambling.