Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment
Online casinos should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. We are committed to promoting responsible gambling practices on containedmemory.org.nz.
If you choose to gamble, please do so within your means and always maintain control over your gaming activities.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling. This is a legal requirement under the Gambling Act 2003.
All licensed online casinos require age verification before allowing access to gambling services. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to gamble.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise 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
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount of time or money spent
- Neglecting family, work, or other responsibilities due to gambling
- Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve the same excitement
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
- Experiencing mood swings or depression related to gambling outcomes
- Gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable online casinos offer responsible gaming tools to help you maintain control. These include:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose during a gaming session
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Time Limits: Set a maximum duration for your gaming sessions
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gambling sites
- Account Cooling-Off Period: Take a break from gambling for a specified period
Always use these tools proactively to protect your wellbeing and finances.
Support Organizations
If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, the following organisations offer free, confidential support:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (NZ): www.pgf.nz — Free counselling and support services
- Gambling Helpline: 0800 664 262 — Free and confidential telephone support
International Support Services
- UK - GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk — Support, information, and counselling
- UK - GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk — National self-exclusion scheme
- Australia - Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au — Free counselling and support
- Canada - Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org — Resources and education
- USA - National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org — Prevention, treatment, and research
If You Need Help
Problem gambling can have serious consequences for your mental health, finances, and relationships. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If you or someone close to you is struggling with gambling:
- Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation (NZ) at www.pgf.nz
- Call the Gambling Helpline free on 0800 664 262
- Reach out to a trusted family member, friend, or healthcare professional
- Use self-exclusion tools immediately to restrict your access to gambling sites
Support is available, and recovery is possible. You don't have to face this alone.