Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
Online casino gaming should only be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and all games are based on chance. Please gamble only what you can afford to lose and never view it as an investment or income source.
Age Verification
Online casino gaming in New Zealand is restricted to individuals who are 18 years of age or older. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble online. We are committed to responsible operator practices and strictly enforce age verification requirements. If you are under 18, please do not access online gambling services.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do you recognise any of these warning signs? If so, please seek help immediately:
- Chasing Losses: Trying to win back money you've lost by gambling more
- Loss of Control: Unable to stick to spending limits or stop when you want to
- Hiding Gambling: Concealing your gambling activities from family or friends
- Neglecting Responsibilities: Prioritising gambling over work, school, or family obligations
- Increasing Bets: Needing to bet more money to get the same level of excitement
- Mood Changes: Becoming anxious, irritable, or depressed when not gambling
- Financial Difficulties: Borrowing money to gamble or gambling with money needed for bills
- Failed Attempts to Quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or stop gambling
- Lying About Gambling: Deceiving others about the time or money spent gambling
- Using Gambling to Escape: Gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, or other problems
Self-Help Tools & Features
Reputable online casinos provide tools to help you stay in control of your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a daily, weekly, or monthly period
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose during a specific timeframe
- Reality Checks: Receive regular pop-up reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Time Limits: Automatically log out after a set period of gaming
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing online gambling platforms
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely
We encourage you to use these tools proactively to manage your gaming activity responsibly.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you are struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Please reach out to one of the following organisations:
New Zealand Support Services
- Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF)
Free and confidential support for problem gamblers and their families
Website: www.pgf.nz
Helpline: 0800 664 262 (free call) - Gambling Helpline
24/7 free helpline service in New Zealand
Phone: 0800 664 262
Email: [email protected]
International Support Services
- GamCare (United Kingdom)
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (United Kingdom Self-Exclusion)
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
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or financial status. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please seek help immediately. Support is available, free of charge, and confidential.
Remember: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The sooner you reach out, the sooner you can begin your recovery journey.
Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) on 0800 664 262 — available 24/7 in New Zealand.
This Responsible Gaming information is provided for educational purposes. Ascot Hospital is committed to promoting responsible gambling practices among all players. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the official websites of the support organisations listed above.