Responsible Gaming

Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial difficulties. While most people gamble responsibly, it is important to understand the risks and recognise when gambling stops being fun. This page provides essential information to help you stay in control and seek support if needed.

Age Verification

You must meet the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction before participating in any gambling activity. In New Zealand, the minimum legal age is 18 years for lotteries and scratch cards, and 20 years for casino gambling and sports betting (including the TAB). Many online gambling sites also require you to be 20 or older. Always verify your local laws and the operator’s terms before playing. Underage gambling is illegal and can lead to serious long-term consequences.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually and affect anyone. If you recognise several of the following signs in yourself or a loved one, it may be time to seek help:

• Chasing losses – gambling more to try to win back money you have lost.
• Hiding gambling activity from family or friends.
• Lying about how much time or money you spend gambling.
• Neglecting work, studies, or family responsibilities due to gambling.
• Borrowing money, selling possessions, or using funds meant for essentials to gamble.
• Feeling irritable or restless when trying to cut down or stop gambling.
• Gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or depression.
• Continuing to gamble despite negative consequences.
• Thinking about gambling constantly or planning the next session.

Self-Help Tools

Most reputable online gambling operators offer practical tools to help you manage your play. These are usually available in your account settings and 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 given period.
• Reality checks – Receive pop-up reminders showing how long you have been playing.
• Session time limits – Restrict the length of each gambling session.
• Self-exclusion – Temporarily or permanently block yourself from accessing a gambling site. In New Zealand, you can also self-exclude from land-based venues and the TAB.
• Cooling-off periods – Take a short break from gambling for a set number of days or weeks.

Using these tools does not mean you have a problem; they are there to help you keep gambling as a safe and enjoyable activity.

Support Organisations

If you are concerned about your own gambling or someone else’s, free and confidential help is available in many countries. Below are recognised organisations for the regions most relevant to our visitors:

• New Zealand: Gambling Helpline New Zealand – call 0800 654 655 or visit www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
• United Kingdom: GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk | GamStop (self-exclusion) – www.gamstop.co.uk
• Australia: Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Canada: Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
• United States: National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org or call/text 1-800-GAMBLER
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – Check dein Spiel: www.check-dein-spiel.de
• Other countries: Please contact your local gambling support service or national helpline for confidential advice and assistance.

Seek Help Today

If you recognise any of the warning signs above, or if gambling is causing you stress, financial harm, or relationship problems, please reach out for support. Help is free, confidential, and available 24/7 in many regions. You are not alone, and taking the first step to talk to someone can make a real difference. Your wellbeing matters more than any bet.