Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While playing can be fun, it's important to remember that all games of chance have a house edge, meaning the odds always favour the casino in the long run.
Set a budget you can afford to lose, play within your limits, and never gamble with money needed for essential expenses like rent, bills, or food.
Age Verification
Online gambling in New Zealand is only available to individuals aged 18 years or older. If you're under the legal age, we encourage you to wait until you reach adulthood before participating in any form of gambling.
All reputable online casinos verify player age before allowing account creation and withdrawals.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate problem gambling:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding or lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Unable to stick to a budget or stop gambling when planned
- Gambling with money needed for bills, rent, or other essentials
- Experiencing anxiety or irritability when unable to gamble
- Neglecting work, school, family, or friends due to gambling
- Borrowing money or getting into debt to fund gambling
- Constantly thinking about gambling or past gambling experiences
- Needing to gamble with larger amounts to achieve the same excitement
- Unsuccessful attempts to reduce or stop gambling
Self-Help Tools & Controls
Responsible online casinos offer several tools to help you maintain control over your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the amount you're willing to lose during a gaming session
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic notifications reminding you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Time Limits: Set an automatic disconnect after a predetermined period of play
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from a casino for a set period (days, weeks, months, or years)
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you decide to stop gambling
Always use these tools proactively to maintain healthy gambling habits.
Support Organisations
If you're concerned about your gambling or need support, help is available. Here are trusted organisations that can assist:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation: Free, confidential support for problem gamblers and their families. Call 0800 664 262 or visit www.pgf.nz
- Gamblers Anonymous NZ: Peer support meetings throughout New Zealand. Visit www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
International Support
- Australia: Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- United Kingdom: GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk | GamStop – www.gamstop.co.uk
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help
If you believe you or someone you care about has a problem with gambling, please reach out for help immediately. There is no shame in seeking support—many people have successfully overcome problem gambling with proper assistance.
Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation today:
- Phone: 0800 664 262 (free, confidential)
- Website: www.pgf.nz
- Email: Available on their website for private enquiries
Remember: Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Support is available 24/7.
Disclaimer: bacshares.org.nz is committed to promoting responsible gaming. All players should gamble within their means and in accordance with New Zealand law. If you choose to gamble, do so responsibly and seek help if gambling becomes a problem.