Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Like going to the movies or playing sports, it's an activity you engage in for fun, and you should only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
At asianyouth.org.nz, we're committed to promoting safe and responsible gambling practices across all our recommended betting sites in New Zealand.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in gambling activities. All licensed betting operators are required to verify your age before allowing you to open an account or place bets.
If you're under 18, we encourage you to speak with a trusted adult about responsible gaming practices.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do any of these warning signs apply to you? If so, it may be time to seek support:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win back money you've lost
- Hiding or lying about how much time or money you spend gambling
- Gambling with money intended for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when not gambling
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts to get the same excitement
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Neglecting family, work, school, or social responsibilities
- Borrowing money to gamble or cover gambling losses
- Experiencing relationship conflicts due to your gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Reputable betting sites offer built-in tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a cap on how much you're willing to lose in a given period
- Betting Limits: Restrict the maximum stake per bet
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders during gaming sessions about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Period: Take a temporary break from your account (hours or days) without full closure
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently close your account if you need to stop gambling entirely
We strongly recommend utilizing these tools when opening accounts with any betting operator.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you're struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Please reach out to one of these organizations:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (Aotearoa) — Free, confidential support and counseling
Phone: 0800 664 262 (free call)
Website: www.pgf.nz
Email: info@pgf.nz - Gamblers Anonymous — Peer support meetings across New Zealand
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz - 1Doc3 — Free online counseling for problem gambling
Website: www.1doc3.com
International Resources
- GamCare (UK) — www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (UK) — Self-exclusion across UK gambling operators — www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gambling Help Online (Australia) — www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) — www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (US) — www.ncpgambling.org
Take Action Today
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please seek help immediately. Problem gambling is a serious issue that can affect your mental health, relationships, and financial wellbeing. There is no shame in reaching out for support — help is confidential, free, and available right now.
Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation (Aotearoa) today: 0800 664 262
Remember: gambling should be fun. If it's no longer enjoyable, it's time to get help.