Responsible Gambling

Last updated: April 2026

At Kiwi Stakes NZ, we believe that gambling should always be an enjoyable form of entertainment, never a source of stress, financial hardship, or personal harm. We are committed to promoting responsible gambling and providing our readers with the information and resources they need to stay in control. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please read on -- help is available, and you are not alone.

You Must Be 18+ to Gamble

Online gambling is strictly for adults aged 18 and over. It is illegal for anyone under the age of 18 to gamble in New Zealand. If you are under 18, please leave this website and any casino sites immediately. Parents and guardians should take steps to prevent minors from accessing gambling websites by using parental control software such as Net Nanny or CyberPatrol.

Recognising the Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually, and it is not always easy to recognise. If you or someone you know experiences any of the following, it may be time to seek help:

• Spending more money on gambling than you can afford to lose.
• Borrowing money or selling possessions to fund gambling.
• Chasing losses by continuing to gamble in an attempt to win back money you have lost.
• Feeling restless, irritable, or anxious when trying to cut down or stop gambling.
• Gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative feelings such as depression or loneliness.
• Lying to family, friends, or others about how much time and money you spend gambling.
• Neglecting work, study, family, or personal responsibilities because of gambling.
• Failed repeated attempts to control, reduce, or stop gambling.
• Experiencing relationship difficulties caused by gambling.
• Feeling a need to bet with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement.
• Thinking about gambling constantly, even when doing other activities.

If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone close to you, we strongly encourage you to reach out for support. There is no shame in asking for help, and effective treatment and support are available.

Tips for Staying in Control

Gambling can be a fun and harmless activity when done responsibly. Here are some practical tips to help you stay in control:

• Set a budget before you play. Decide how much money you can afford to lose before you start, and never exceed that amount. Think of it as the cost of entertainment, like buying a cinema ticket.
• Set a time limit. Decide in advance how long you will play for and stick to it. Set an alarm on your phone if it helps.
• Never chase your losses. If you have lost your budget, stop. Trying to win it back almost always leads to bigger losses.
• Do not gamble when emotional. Avoid gambling when you are upset, stressed, depressed, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Emotional states impair judgement and lead to poor decisions.
• Take regular breaks. Step away from the screen regularly. Go for a walk, make a cup of tea, or do something else entirely.
• Do not borrow money to gamble. If you cannot afford to gamble with your own money, do not gamble at all.
• Balance gambling with other activities. Make sure gambling does not become your only form of entertainment. Maintain your hobbies, social life, and responsibilities.
• Understand the odds. The house always has an edge. No system or strategy can guarantee a win. Accept that losing is part of gambling.
• Use responsible gambling tools. Most reputable online casinos offer deposit limits, loss limits, session time limits, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion options. Use them.

Self-Exclusion Tools

If you feel that you need to take a break from gambling, self-exclusion is one of the most effective tools available. Self-exclusion allows you to voluntarily ban yourself from gambling sites for a set period or permanently.

Casino Self-Exclusion

All reputable online casinos offer self-exclusion options. You can usually find these in your account settings under "Responsible Gambling" or "Player Protection". When you self-exclude, you will be blocked from logging in, making deposits, and placing bets for the duration of your exclusion period. Contact the casino's customer support team if you need help finding these options.

Multi-Operator Self-Exclusion

Some self-exclusion programmes allow you to exclude from multiple gambling sites at once:

• GamStop (UK): www.gamstop.co.uk -- Free service to self-exclude from all UK-licensed gambling sites.
• BetBlocker: betblocker.org -- Free app that blocks access to gambling websites and apps on your devices.
• Gamban: gamban.com -- Software that blocks access to thousands of gambling sites and apps across all your devices.

Getting Help in New Zealand

If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, the following New Zealand organisations provide free, confidential support:

For Family and Friends

Problem gambling does not just affect the person who gambles -- it affects their family, friends, and wider community. If someone close to you has a gambling problem, it is important to know that support is available for you too.

• The Gambling Helpline (0800 654 655) provides support for family and friends of problem gamblers, not just the gamblers themselves.
• The Problem Gambling Foundation offers family counselling and support groups.
• Try to be supportive and non-judgemental. Problem gambling is a recognised condition, not a moral failing.
• Encourage the person to seek professional help, but do not force them. Recovery is most effective when the individual is willing to engage.
• Protect your own finances. Do not lend money to someone with a gambling problem or pay off their gambling debts.
• Look after your own wellbeing. Caring for someone with a gambling problem can be stressful and emotionally draining.

Our Commitment

At Kiwi Stakes NZ, we take responsible gambling seriously. We are committed to:

• Only recommending casinos that offer responsible gambling tools such as deposit limits, session limits, and self-exclusion.
• Providing clear and honest information about the risks associated with gambling.
• Never targeting our content at anyone under the age of 18.
• Displaying responsible gambling messaging and links to support services throughout our website.
• Regularly reviewing and updating our responsible gambling resources.
• Promoting gambling as a form of entertainment, never as a way to make money or solve financial problems.

If you have any questions or concerns about responsible gambling, or if you would like to suggest improvements to this page, please contact us at [email protected].