Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At effnz.co.nz, we believe that online casino gaming should be an enjoyable form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While many people enjoy gaming responsibly, it's important to understand the risks and play within your means.
Please gamble only with money you can afford to lose, and never view it as income or a solution to financial difficulties.
Age Verification
Online casino gaming in New Zealand is restricted to individuals who are 18 years of age or older. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to participate in gambling activities.
All licensed online casinos operating in New Zealand are required to verify the age of their players before allowing access to gaming platforms.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone else, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses: Trying to recover lost money by gambling more
- Hiding gambling: Being secretive about the time or money spent on gaming
- Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, school, or family obligations due to gambling
- Increased spending: Needing to bet more money to get the same level of excitement
- Failed attempts to quit: Repeatedly trying and failing to reduce or stop gambling
- Borrowing to gamble: Taking loans or using credit cards to fund gambling
- Mood changes: Becoming irritable, anxious, or depressed when unable to gamble
- Relationship problems: Gambling causing conflict with family, friends, or partners
- Financial difficulties: Unpaid bills, debts, or inability to meet basic expenses
- Lying about gambling: Deceiving others about the extent of your gaming activity
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control over your gaming:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount of money you're willing to lose in a given period
- Session Limits: Set time restrictions to limit consecutive gaming sessions
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders during gaming sessions about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from a casino platform for a set period (days, weeks, months, or permanently)
- Cool-Off Period: Take a break from gaming to reflect on your habits
Use these tools proactively as part of your responsible gaming strategy.
Support Organizations & Helplines
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, confidential help is available:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation
Helpline: 0800 664 262
Website: www.pgf.nz
Free, confidential support and counselling services - Gamblers Anonymous (New Zealand)
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
Support groups and peer assistance
International Support Services
- GamCare (UK)
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
Free advice and support for problem gamblers - GamStop (UK)
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
National self-exclusion scheme - Gambling Help Online (Australia)
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
Information and counselling resources - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
Evidence-based information and prevention programs - National Council on Problem Gambling (USA)
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Information and referral services
All services listed above are confidential and free to use.
Take Action Today
If you or someone close to you is experiencing problems related to gambling, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in reaching out—trained professionals are available to provide confidential support.
Remember: Problem gambling is treatable, and recovery is possible with the right support.
If you need immediate assistance, contact the Problem Gambling Foundation in New Zealand:
Helpline: 0800 664 262 (Free and confidential)
This Responsible Gaming information is provided for educational purposes. effnz.co.nz encourages all players to gamble responsibly and within their means. By accessing online casino services, you acknowledge that you are of legal age and accept responsibility for your own gaming decisions. If you are in crisis or experiencing mental health difficulties, please contact a mental health professional or emergency services in your area.