Responsible Gambling

Gambling should be an enjoyable form of entertainment, not a source of stress or financial hardship. I take responsible gambling seriously, and I encourage every visitor to this site to approach online casinos with a clear head and a firm budget.

The Gambling Act 2003

The Gambling Act 2003 is the primary legislation governing gambling in New Zealand. Under this Act, the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA) regulates all domestic gambling activities. While it is legal for NZ residents to play at offshore online casinos, the Act establishes a framework for harm minimisation and responsible gambling practices that apply across the industry.

The Act requires that gambling operators consider the impact of gambling on communities and provide tools for players to manage their gambling activity. All reputable offshore casinos targeting NZ players offer responsible gambling tools as part of their licensing requirements.

Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually and may not always be obvious. Watch for these warning signs:

• Spending more money or time gambling than you intended
• Chasing losses by increasing your bets after losing
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling
• Neglecting work, family, or other responsibilities because of gambling
• Feeling anxious, stressed, or irritable when not gambling
• Lying to family or friends about how much you gamble
• Gambling to escape problems or relieve negative emotions
• Being unable to stop or reduce gambling despite wanting to

Tips for Gambling Responsibly

• Set a budget: Decide how much you can afford to lose before you start. Treat it as entertainment money — like going to the movies or a night out.
• Set time limits: Decide how long you will play before you start. Set an alarm on your phone if that helps.
• Never chase losses: If you have lost your budget, stop. Tomorrow is another day. The odds do not change based on your previous results.
• Do not gamble when emotional: Avoid gambling when you are stressed, upset, angry, or intoxicated. Clear-headed decisions lead to better outcomes.
• Use casino tools: Most reputable casinos offer deposit limits, loss limits, session time reminders, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion. Use them.
• Take breaks: Step away regularly. Go for a walk, make a cup of tea, do something else entirely.
• Keep it social: Gambling alone for extended periods can be a warning sign. Talk to friends or family about your gambling habits.

Self-Exclusion Options

If you need to take a break from gambling, most online casinos offer self-exclusion options ranging from 24 hours to permanent exclusion. Contact the casino's customer support to set up self-exclusion on your account.

In New Zealand, you can also request exclusion from domestic casino premises through the Multi-Venue Exclusion (MVE) scheme operated by the DIA. For online gambling, individual site exclusion is the primary option.

Support Resources

• Gambling Helpline NZ: 0800 654 655 (24/7, free, confidential)
• Maori Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 656
• Pasifika Gambling Helpline: 0800 654 657
• Online support: gamblinghelpline.co.nz
• Department of Internal Affairs: dia.govt.nz/gambling
• Health Promotion Agency: hpa.org.nz

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please reach out. Help is available, free, and confidential. There is no shame in asking for support.