Responsible Gaming

Age Restrictions & Verification (18+)

Underage gambling is illegal. In New Zealand, you must be at least 18 years old to engage in online gambling and mobile casino entertainment (or 20 years old for land-based casinos). We strictly advocate for thorough age verification procedures across all recommended mobile gambling operators. We also advise parents and guardians to protect minors by using digital filtering software such as Net Nanny or CyberPatrol.

Recognising the Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Mobile access makes it easy to play anytime, anywhere, which can increase the risk of overspending or developing unhealthy habits. Ask yourself the following questions:

• Do you ever chase your losses, trying to win back money you have lost?
• Do you gamble with money needed for essential living costs such as rent, bills, or groceries?
• Have you lied to family, whānau, or friends about how much time or money you spend on mobile gambling?
• Do you find it difficult to stop playing or lose track of time while using mobile casino apps?
• Has your gambling led to arguments, stress, or relationship breakdowns?
• Do you borrow money, sell personal items, or access credit to fund gambling?
• Do you turn to gambling to escape boredom, anxiety, depression, or emotional stress?

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, your gambling may be becoming problematic.

Player Safety & Self-Help Tools

Reputable mobile gambling operators provide integrated responsible gaming tools designed to help you stay in charge of your play. We strongly recommend activating these tools before placing any real-money bets:

• Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much money you can deposit into your mobile casino account.
• Loss & Wager Limits: Cap the amount of money you can lose or wager over a set period.
• Reality Checks & Session Timers: Receive on-screen notifications tracking how long your mobile session has been active.
• Time-Outs / Cool-Off Periods: Temporarily suspend access to your account for anywhere from 24 hours to a few weeks.
• Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily lock yourself out of your gambling account permanently or for an extended duration (e.g., 6 months to several years).

Free, Confidential Support in New Zealand

If gambling is affecting your health, finances, or relationships, you are not alone. Dedicated, free, and completely confidential support services are available 24/7 across New Zealand:

• Gambling Helpline NZ: Free call, text, or live chat support available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
  Phone: 0800 654 655 | Free text: 8006
  Website: www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
• PGF Services (Problem Gambling Foundation): Professional counselling, education, and support for individuals, whānau, and communities.
  Phone: 0800 664 262
  Website: www.pgf.nz
• Safer Gambling Aotearoa: Practical advice, self-assessment tools, and resources provided by the Health Promotion Agency.
  Website: www.safergambling.org.nz
• Asian Family Services: Culturally tailored, confidential support for Asian communities living in New Zealand.
  Phone: 0800 862 342
  Website: www.asianfamilyservices.nz

Take Action: Help Is Always Available

Acknowledging that gambling is no longer harmless fun is a vital first step. If mobile gambling is causing harm to you or someone you care about, do not wait until problems escalate. Reach out to one of the free professional support services above today—trained counsellors are ready to listen, guide, and support you every step of the way.