Responsible gambling: help for New Zealand players

What gambling is, and isn’t

Every casino game is designed so the house wins over time. That’s true of slots, roulette, blackjack and live game shows alike. Some sessions you’ll win, but the longer you play, the closer your results get to the built-in house edge. Gambling is something you pay for, like a night out. It is not a way to make money, pay bills or win back losses. Nothing on this site is “risk-free”, and no strategy guarantees a win.

Warning signs to take seriously

• Spending more money or time than you planned, more than once.
• Chasing losses: playing on, or depositing again, to win back what you’ve lost.
• Borrowing money, using credit, or selling things to gamble.
• Hiding gambling from your partner, whānau or friends, or lying about it.
• Feeling anxious, irritable or low when you’re not gambling, or after you have.
• Gambling getting in the way of work, study, sleep or relationships.
• Cancelling withdrawals to keep playing.

If any of these sound familiar, it’s worth talking to someone now, not later. The services above are free and won’t judge you.

Tools that help you stay in control

Deposit limits

Set a daily, weekly or monthly deposit limit in your casino account settings before you play. Lowering a limit takes effect straight away. Raising one usually comes with a cooling-off period, which protects you from decisions made in the moment.

Reality checks and session limits

Pop-up reminders show how long you’ve been playing and what you’ve spent. Turn them on and pay attention when they appear.

Time-outs and self-exclusion

A time-out locks your account for a short period. Self-exclusion closes it for months or years. The four casinos we feature share one operator, so ask support whether a self-exclusion covers all of its brands, and self-exclude from each one you have an account with if it doesn’t.

Bank and device blocks

Many New Zealand banks let you block gambling transactions on your card through their app or by calling them. Blocking software on your phone and computer adds another barrier.

Simple rules that make a difference

1. Decide your budget before you start, and only use money you can afford to lose.
2. Set a time limit as well as a money limit.
3. Never gamble to cover a debt or a bill.
4. Don’t gamble when you’re stressed, upset or have been drinking.
5. Treat any win as a bonus, not a reason to raise your stakes.
6. Take regular breaks away from the screen.

Worried about someone else?

Gambling harm affects families and whānau too. The Gambling Helpline and PGF Services support people affected by someone else’s gambling. You don’t need the person’s permission to get help for yourself.

Age restrictions

All Slots is for adults only. The online casinos we feature require you to be at least 18 and verify your age before you can withdraw. Land-based casinos in New Zealand require you to be 20. If you share a device with young people, use parental controls and keep your casino logins private.