Responsible Gambling

Understanding Problem Gambling

Problem gambling is gambling behavior that causes disruptions in any major area of life: psychological, physical, social, or vocational. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background.

Warning Signs

You may have a gambling problem if you:

• Spend more money or time gambling than you can afford
• Find it hard to manage or stop your gambling
• Have arguments with family or friends about money and gambling
• Lose interest in usual activities or hobbies
• Always think or talk about gambling
• Lie about your gambling or hide it from others
• Chase losses or gamble to get out of financial trouble
• Gamble until your last dollar is gone
• Borrow money, sell possessions, or steal to gamble

Tips for Responsible Gambling

• Set a budget: Decide how much you can afford to lose before you start
• Set time limits: Decide how long you will play and stick to it
• Never chase losses: Accept that losing is part of gambling
• Don't gamble when upset: Avoid gambling when stressed, depressed, or under the influence
• Take breaks: Step away regularly to maintain perspective
• Balance gambling: Keep it as one of many leisure activities
• Don't borrow to gamble: Only use money you can afford to lose

Self-Exclusion Tools

Most reputable online casinos offer self-exclusion tools that allow you to:

• Set deposit limits
• Set loss limits
• Set session time limits
• Take a cooling-off period
• Self-exclude for a set period or permanently

Getting Help in New Zealand

If you need help with problem gambling, free and confidential support is available 24/7 in New Zealand.

Remember: Gambling should be fun. If it stops being fun, it's time to stop.