Responsible Gambling
Gambling should be a form of entertainment, never a way to make money or escape problems. Here is how to keep it safe, how to spot when it is becoming harmful, and where to get free help in New Zealand.
Free · Confidential · 24/7
Need to talk to someone now?
Gambling Helpline Aotearoa offers free support to anyone worried about their own gambling or the gambling of someone close to them. You can call any time, day or night, or send an anonymous text.
Specialist helplines
Dedicated free lines run by Gambling Helpline Aotearoa, also open 24/7.
More free support
Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF)
Free and confidential counselling for anyone affected by gambling, including family and friends.
Understand the risks
Every casino game is designed so that the house has an edge. Over time, the more you play, the more likely you are to lose. Wins are random and short-term, and no system, pattern or strategy can change the long-term odds of pokies, roulette or any other game.
Gambling can also affect your mood, sleep, finances and relationships. Losing streaks can lead to "chasing losses", where you bet more to try and win your money back. This is one of the most common ways gambling turns from fun into harm.
Warning signs to look out for
- Spending more money or time on gambling than you planned
- Chasing losses or gambling to win back money you have lost
- Borrowing money, using credit or selling things to gamble
- Hiding or lying about how much you gamble
- Feeling anxious, irritable or low when you are not gambling
- Gambling to escape stress, loneliness or other problems
- Missing work, study or time with family because of gambling
- Arguments with people close to you about money or gambling
If any of these sound familiar, it is a good time to take a break and talk to someone. The sooner you reach out, the easier it is to get back in control.
How to stay in control
- Treat gambling as the cost of entertainment, not a way to make money
- Set a budget before you start and only use money you can afford to lose
- Decide how long you will play and take regular breaks
- Never chase your losses
- Do not gamble when you are upset, stressed, tired or drinking
- Keep a balance with other hobbies, friends and family
- Never borrow money to gamble
Tools in your casino account
Licensed online casinos offer tools to help you manage your play. You can usually find them in the account or "Responsible Gaming" section of the site.
Deposit limits
Cap how much you can deposit per day, week or month.
Loss and wager limits
Limit how much you can lose or bet over a set period.
Session reminders
Get regular pop-ups showing how long you have been playing.
Time-out
Take a short break from your account, from a day to a few weeks.
Self-exclusion
Close your account for months or longer if you need a real break.
Lowering a limit usually takes effect straight away, while raising one or ending an exclusion early is delayed on purpose to give you time to think. Our FAQ lists the exact limit, time-out and self-exclusion options at Boo Casino.
Age and eligibility
Online gambling is for adults aged 18 and over only. It is your responsibility to check that online gambling is legal where you live before you register or play. Operators may ask you to verify your identity, age and address before processing withdrawals.
If children use your devices, keep your casino accounts logged out and consider parental control software to block gambling sites.
Worried about someone else?
Gambling harm affects family and friends too. If you are worried about someone close to you, talk to them calmly and without judgement, and avoid lending them money to gamble or pay gambling debts. The helplines above support family members as well, so you can call for advice even if the person is not ready to get help.
Help is one call away
Free, confidential and available 24/7 across New Zealand.