Responsible Gambling and Betting

In order to play poker, Blackjack, roulette, or any other type of gambling game, whether it is online or in a traditional casino, there are certain things that you need to be aware of outside the rules of the games.

  • RESPONSIBLE gambling is a top priority, as excessive gambling can lead to negative consequences on both your mental health and your personal finances.

  • Gambling and betting addiction can develop and be very difficult to control if not treated with caution.

  • In order to gamble, the player must always be of legal age. In New Zealand, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 20 to participate in gambling or betting. If you are of the age of 18 or above, there is a possibility to play at online overseas casinos.

  • When gambling or betting, it is also important to keep in mind the budget you have. What can you really afford to invest in this activity? It is important to set boundaries and always be mindful of them.

How Do I Know If I’m Playing Responsibly?

A person who gambles responsibly is someone who knows his/her limits – both when it comes to the time spent gambling and the amount of money invested in these activities. If you can easily assert that gambling and betting is something you only do for fun, can stop playing at any time, and won’t invest more money or time than intended, you belong in the category of responsible gamblers.

What Signs Should I Look for To Know If I Have a Gambling Addiction?

It’s normal that when you first start betting and gambling, you feel adrenaline and excitement that makes you want to keep playing. In those moments, it is important to pay close attention to how you think and act during the game.

Most people who begin to develop a gambling addiction, tend to flatly deny it. There are a few ways in which you can test yourself in order to identify the relationship that you have with this form of entertainment (gambling and betting):

  • You want to play casino games all day and it’s the only thing on your mind.

  • The wagered amounts increase gradually and become the largest part of your expenses.

  • You see the winnings from betting and gambling as an important source of income or perceive it as a method of generating income.

  • You feel or hope that if you play for long enough, regardless of your losses, you will win a huge amount of money that will make it possible for you to no longer have to work.

  • You talk about gambling, betting and online casinos 90% of the time.

  • Your daily routine is affected (eating habits, work, commitments to others, etc.) by gambling.

  • People close to you (family, friends, co-workers etc.) often try to shed light on your extreme attention towards gambling as: “I think you spend too much time gambling...”, “Don’t you think that you’ve gambled enough?”, or “You should do something else besides play”.

  • You prefer to invest money that was intended for personal expenses (food, utilities, rent, etc.) in gambling and betting instead.

  • Your social life is diminished or entirely affected by gambling and betting, and you find it difficult to go out and socialize with others as you used to. And when you go out, you still think about gambling.

Gambling and betting are forms of entertainment, not a way of generating income, and certainly not a way of life. Playing responsibly means being able to set boundaries for yourself and sticking to them. These boundaries should not cause you any anxiety or confusion. Therefore, you must be clear about the limitations you set for yourself.

About the Problem Gambling Foundation of NZ

The Problem Gambling Foundation of NZ (PGF Group) is made up of three different services: PGF Services, Asian Family Services, and Mapu Maia (Pasifika Service). It is a charitable trust that seeks to ensure that gambling safeguards are in place. The PGF Group operates nationally with services delivered under contract with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and funded by the gambling levy.  It was founded in 1988 as the Compulsive Gambling Society (CGS), and has been a leader in the prevention of problem gambling in New Zealand for more than 25 years. 

The Problem Gambling Foundation develops various programs and projects for the prevention, education and psychological counselling of players with potential gambling problems or addiction. The organization offers help from gambling counsellors that can help navigate the gambling world. Furthermore, the organization helps educate on gambling addiction or problems, as well as create support groups. 

The PGF Group initiates and takes part in various activities:

  • Education and training on identifying and screening for gambling harm

  • Advocacy work that aims to achieve effective and caring policies that minimize the harm from gambling in New Zealand

  • Support for gambling venues to provide a safe environment

  • Stalls at community events

  • A specialized library with printable fact sheets.

  • Free, professional, and confidential counselling for gamblers and families affected by someone’s gambling

  • Education and support groups

  • Culturally appropriate counselling

  • Assistance with self-exclusion from places that provide gambling.

You should not be afraid to seek support from a family member, or a trusted person, or contact the different services under the Problem Gambling Foundation of NZ for guidance and help. You can find more information on the help provided by the PGF Group here: https://www.pgf.nz/services

Play responsibly and take care of your mental health!