Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

Online casino gaming should only ever be viewed as entertainment—similar to going to the movies or attending a sports event. It should never be considered a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and the outcome of every game is determined by chance. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.

Age Verification

Online casino gambling in New Zealand is restricted to individuals who are 18 years of age or older. It is illegal for anyone under this age to participate in online gambling. All reputable online casinos require age verification at registration and deposit. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to gamble online.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognise any of the following warning signs in yourself or someone else, it may be time to seek help:

• Chasing losses: Trying to recover money lost by gambling more
• Hiding gambling: Keeping your gambling secret from family, friends, or partners
• Loss of control: Unable to stick to limits on time or money spent
• Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family commitments due to gambling
• Gambling with borrowed money: Using credit cards, loans, or borrowed funds to gamble
• Mood changes: Becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed when unable to gamble
• Tolerance: Needing to gamble with larger amounts to get the same excitement
• Lying about gambling: Being dishonest about the amount of time or money spent
• Relationship strain: Gambling causing conflict with loved ones
• Financial difficulties: Borrowing money or facing debt due to gambling

Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features

Most reputable online casinos offer built-in tools to help you maintain control. Take advantage of these features:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a specified period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount of losses you're willing to accept before stopping
• Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
• Session Limits: Automatically log out after a set period of time
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently block your account from accessing the casino
• Account Pause: Take a break from gambling for a specified period

If your chosen casino doesn't offer these features, consider using a different provider that takes responsible gaming seriously.

Get Help – Support Organizations for New Zealand

If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Please reach out to one of these organisations:

New Zealand-Based Support

• Gamblers Anonymous Aotearoa (GAA)
  Free peer support meetings throughout New Zealand
  www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
• Gambling Helpline (New Zealand)
  Free, confidential counselling service
  Phone: 0800 654 655
  Text: 8393
  www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
• Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF)
  Information, support, and resources for problem gamblers and their families
  Phone: 0800 664 262
  www.pgf.nz

International Support Resources

• GamCare (United Kingdom)
  Counselling and support services
  www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop (United Kingdom)
  National self-exclusion scheme
  www.gamstop.co.uk
• Gambling Help Online (Australia)
  Counselling and support for Australasian region
  www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• National Council on Problem Gambling (USA)
  Resources and referrals
  www.ncpgambling.org
• Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
  Information and support resources
  www.responsiblegambling.org

If You Need Help, Reach Out Today

There is no shame in seeking support. Problem gambling is treatable, and help is available. Whether you're experiencing difficulties yourself or concerned about someone else, the organisations listed above are ready to assist you with confidential, non-judgmental support.

Contact the Gambling Helpline (New Zealand) today:

• Phone: 0800 654 655 (free and confidential)
• Text: 8393
• Visit: www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz

Remember: Recovery is possible, and support is just a phone call away.

Disclaimer

Dove Charters (dovecharters.co.nz) is committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. The information provided on this page is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional advice. If you experience problem gambling, please seek help from qualified professionals and support organisations listed above. Gambling carries financial and personal risks and should only be undertaken by adults