Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At cvc.org.nz, we are committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. Gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never chase your losses or gamble to recover debts.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities. All online casinos and betting operators are legally required to verify your age before allowing access to gaming services. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to create an account or participate in any gambling activities.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of the following warning signs in your own behavior, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses — gambling more to try to recover money you've lost
- Hiding your gambling from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling with money meant for bills, rent, or essential expenses
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Feeling anxious or irritable when unable to gamble
- Neglecting work, school, hobbies, or relationships due to gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
If you experience any of these signs, please seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online casinos offer built-in tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount of losses you are willing to accept
- Reality Checks: Receive notifications during gaming sessions to remind you of how long you've been playing
- Time Limits: Set a maximum session duration for your gaming activities
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from a casino for a period of time, preventing access to your account
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gambling behavior.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Here are trusted organizations offering support:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (Aotearoa) — Helpline: 0800 664 262 | Website: www.problemgambling.org.nz
- Gambling Helpline — Free counseling and support services for problem gambling in New Zealand
International Resources
- GamCare (United Kingdom) — Free confidential support | www.gamcare.org.uk | Tel: 0808 8020 133
- GamStop (United Kingdom) — National self-exclusion scheme | www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gambling Help Online (Australia) — www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) — www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (United States) — www.ncpgambling.org | Tel: 1-800-522-4700
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (Germany) — www.bzga.de
All of these organizations offer free, confidential support and counseling services.
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is a serious issue, but recovery is possible. If you believe you have a gambling problem, or if someone you care about does, please contact one of the support organizations listed above. There is no shame in seeking help — support services are staffed by trained professionals who understand what you're going through.
Remember: Your wellbeing is more important than any bet.