Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

Online pokies should only be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Gambling always carries risk, and the house always has a mathematical advantage. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and never gamble to recover losses.

Age Verification

You must be at least 18 years of age to gamble in New Zealand. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to participate in online gambling. By using bacshares.org.nz, you confirm that you meet the legal age requirement for your jurisdiction.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a gambling problem:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
• Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, food, utilities)
• Hiding gambling activity or lying about the amount spent
• Neglecting work, school, family, or relationships due to gambling
• Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
• Needing to gamble with increasing amounts to feel the same excitement
• Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
• Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
• Using gambling as an escape from stress, anxiety, or depression
• Experiencing financial, legal, or relationship problems due to gambling

Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features

Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, monthly)
• Loss Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you can lose in a given period
• Session Time Limits: Set automatic reminders or session cutoffs to prevent extended gambling sessions
• Reality Checks: Receive periodic notifications during gameplay reminding you of time and money spent
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from an online casino to take a break from gambling
• Account Closure: Request permanent closure of your gambling account

We encourage you to use these tools proactively to maintain healthy gambling habits.

Support Organizations & Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available. The following organizations provide confidential support:

New Zealand

• Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) — Free counselling and support services
  www.pgf.nz
  Phone: 0800 664 262 (free, confidential helpline)
• Gambling Helpline Aotearoa — 24/7 confidential support
  Phone: 0800 654 655
• Samaritans New Zealand — Crisis support and counselling
  www.samaritans.org.nz
  Phone: 1800 221 4444 (free, 24/7)

International Resources

• GamCare (UK) — Problem gambling support and treatment
  www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop (UK) — National self-exclusion scheme
  www.gamstop.co.uk
• Gambling Help Online (Australia) — Counselling and information
  www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) — Research and resources
  www.responsiblegambling.org
• National Council on Problem Gambling (USA) — Helpline and resources
  www.ncpgambling.org

Take Action Today

If gambling is causing you or your family distress, help is available and recovery is possible. Don't hesitate to reach out to one of the organizations listed above. You can also:

• Contact your GP or local health service for referral to specialist treatment
• Call a gambling helpline for confidential advice and support
• Visit a counsellor who specializes in problem gambling
• Use self-exclusion tools to take a break from gambling
• Talk to someone you trust about your concerns

Recovery starts with one call or one conversation. You don't have to face this alone.