Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At forabetterauckland.org.nz, we believe online casino gaming should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. Gambling is never a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. It carries real risks, and it's important to approach it with a responsible mindset.
Please gamble only with money you can afford to lose, and never view it as an investment or income source.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities, including online casinos. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble. All licensed online casinos operating in New Zealand are required to verify your age before allowing you to play.
If you are under 18, please do not attempt to access gambling platforms. If you're concerned about a young person's gambling, contact the appropriate support services listed below.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Please consider whether you recognise any of these warning signs in your own behaviour:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Gambling with money needed for essentials (rent, bills, food, medications)
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount of money spent
- Spending increasing amounts of time and money on gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Gambling as a way to escape problems or negative emotions
- Failed attempts to reduce or control gambling
- Borrowing money or getting into debt to fund gambling
- Neglecting work, study, family, or social responsibilities
- Experiencing relationship conflicts due to gambling
If you recognise any of these signs, please seek help immediately. Problem gambling is treatable, and support is available.
Self-Help Tools and Strategies
Most reputable online casinos provide responsible gaming tools to help you stay in control. These include:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Cap the maximum amount you're willing to lose in a given timeframe
- Session Limits: Set time limits for your gaming sessions to prevent excessive play
- Reality Checks: Enable notifications that remind you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently close your account to prevent access to the platform
- Cooling-Off Periods: Take a break from gambling for a set period
Use these tools proactively. Setting limits before you start playing is more effective than trying to control your behaviour while gambling.
Support Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Please contact one of the organisations below:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (Aotearoa): Free, confidential support and counselling services. Phone: 0800 664 262 (9am–12.30am daily) | Website: www.pgf.nz
- Gambling Helpline: Free helpline offering support and information. Phone: 0800 664 262
- Auckland Council Community Health Services: Local support and counselling for Auckland residents affected by problem gambling
International Resources
- GamCare (United Kingdom): www.gamcare.org.uk | Phone: 0808 8020 133
- GamStop (United Kingdom): National self-exclusion scheme. www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au | Phone: 1800 858 858
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (United States): www.ncpgambling.org | Phone: 1-800-GAMBLER
All services listed are free, confidential, and available to support you or your whānau.
If You Need Help
If you are experiencing problems with gambling, please reach out for support today. There is no shame in seeking help, and support services are specifically designed to assist people in your situation.
Contacting the Problem Gambling Foundation or Gambling Helpline is a positive first step. Trained counsellors are available to listen, provide advice, and help you access further support if needed.
Remember: Recovery is possible, and help is available now.
This information is provided for educational purposes. If you choose to gamble online, ensure you are using licensed, regulated casinos that operate legally in New Zealand and implement responsible gaming measures. forabetterauckland.org.nz does not encourage problem gambling and is committed to promoting safe and responsible gaming practices.