Play Responsibly

What is Responsible Online Gambling?

Responsible gambling means enjoying casino games, pokies, or sports betting as a form of entertainment, not as a way to make money. Never play with more than you can afford to lose. A good rule of thumb is to treat gambling the same as any other paid leisure activity.

If you hit a big win, use it wisely. Avoid chasing the thrill by playing your winnings back at the casino. Most operators now allow you to set your own safe-play limits on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. Once you find the limits that suit you, the experience becomes safer and far more enjoyable.

What Are the Potential Risks of Gambling?

While gambling can be a fun form of entertainment, it also carries certain risks if not managed carefully. Some of the most common risks include:

Financial loss: You may lose more money than you can afford, especially if you don’t set limits.
Chasing losses: Trying to win back lost money often leads to even bigger losses.
Time management issues: Gambling can take up more time than intended, affecting work, study, or family life.
Emotional stress: Feelings of anxiety, frustration, or guilt are common when gambling gets out of control.
Relationship problems: Excessive gambling can create tension with family and friends, especially if money issues are involved.
Addiction risk: In some cases, gambling can become a compulsion that’s difficult to stop without professional help.

What Can I Do to Manage My Gambling?

Managing your gambling is about setting boundaries and keeping play enjoyable. The goal isn’t to stop you from having fun: it’s to make sure you stay in control and avoid problems down the line.

Set a Budget and Stick to It

Decide in advance how much you can afford to spend weekly or monthly, and never go over it. Treat it like entertainment, the same way you’d budget for movies or dining out. Having a clear budget helps prevent overspending.

Don’t Chase Losses

One of the biggest pitfalls in gambling is chasing after lost money. Whether you’re on the pokies, betting live on rugby, or playing blackjack, the results are random. Accepting losses as part of the game will protect your bankroll and keep the experience fun.

Understand How Games Work

Every casino game is based on RTP (Return to Player) percentages and RNGs (Random Number Generators). These ensure fairness, but also mean outcomes are beyond your control. Knowing this can help you avoid unrealistic expectations and focus on entertainment rather than “beating the system.”

Keep Gambling Fun

Stress and frustration are warning signs. Gambling should never feel like pressure or work. If you’re no longer enjoying yourself, step away and take a break: whether it’s for a few hours, a few days, or longer.

What Responsible Gambling Tools Can I Use?

Most licensed casinos, especially those regulated under MGA (Malta Gaming Authority), UKGC (UK Gambling Commission), or similar authorities, offer built-in responsible gambling tools. These features are designed to help you stay in control of your play, and you can usually find them in your account settings.

Reality Checks

A reality check is a pop-up notification that appears while you’re playing, reminding you how long you’ve been active. For example, after every 30 or 60 minutes, you’ll get a message saying how long you’ve been logged in, how much you’ve staked, and your current balance. It’s a simple but effective way to keep track of time and spending.

Deposit, Loss, and Wagering Limits

Casinos let you set daily, weekly, or monthly limits on how much money you can deposit, lose, or stake in total. Once the limit is reached, you won’t be able to add more funds or bet above the set cap until the time period resets. This is one of the most practical tools because it prevents overspending before it happens.

Timeouts

A timeout, sometimes called a cool-off period, allows you to temporarily block your account. You can usually set it for 24 hours, 7 days, or up to a few months. During this period, you cannot log in or play, giving you space to step back and regain perspective.

Self-Exclusion

If you feel you need a stronger measure, you can request self-exclusion. This means your account is blocked for a set period (commonly 6 months, 1 year, or longer) or even permanently. During this time, you won’t be able to reopen the account, and the casino must respect the exclusion.

Responsible Gambling External Help and Support

If you’re worried about your gambling habits, you don’t have to face it alone. Many organisations offer free, confidential help. Below are some trusted resources:

Organization	Link	How it works
Gambling Helpline Aotearoa 🇳🇿	gamblinghelpline.co.nz	Free 24/7 support via phone (0800 654 655), text, or chat. Offers counselling, advice, and referrals to local services.
Choice Not Chance 🇳🇿	choicenotchance.org.nz	NZ campaign providing self-help guides, tools, and access to community support.
GamCare 🌍	gamcare.org.uk	UK-based, global reach. Offers live chat, forums, and professional counselling.
Gambling Therapy 🌍	gamblingtherapy.org	International online support service with chat, forums, and self-assessment tools.
Gamban 🖥️	gamban.com	Blocking software that prevents access to gambling websites and apps across devices.

What If My Gambling Gets Out of Control?

If gambling starts affecting your time, money, or well-being, don’t ignore it. Here are some steps you can take:

Be honest with yourself
Recognising the problem is the hardest step, but also the most important one. Take it seriously, and don’t be afraid to ask for help early. The sooner you act, the easier it is to regain control.
Contact the casino directly
Most licensed operators offer tools like timeouts and self-exclusion. By informing them, you can block access to your account and stop the cycle immediately.
Talk to someone you trust
Opening up to family, friends, or a doctor can make a huge difference. Sharing what you’re going through helps you feel less isolated and gives others a chance to support you.
Reach out for professional help
In New Zealand, you can call the Gambling Helpline (0800 654 655) or use their online chat for free, confidential advice. International services like GamCare or Gambling Therapy are also available if you prefer online support.

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Remember to Always Play Responsibly