Responsible Gaming
Entertainment, Not Income
Online casino gaming should be enjoyed as entertainment only. It is never a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. Casino games are designed with a house edge, meaning the odds always favour the casino over time. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and never gamble to try to recover losses.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble online in New Zealand. Gambling is illegal for anyone under the legal age. All operators on effnz.co.nz are required to verify your age and identity before allowing you to play.
If you are under 18, please do not attempt to access online casinos. If you are concerned about a young person's gambling, contact a support organisation listed below.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do any of these apply to you? If so, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win back money you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling with money needed for essentials (rent, bills, food, medicines)
- Gambling for longer periods or with larger amounts than intended
- Neglecting work, study, or personal relationships due to gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or distressed when not gambling
- Borrowing money, using credit cards, or taking loans to fund gambling
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
If you recognise any of these signs, please reach out for help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Features
Responsible online casinos provide tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a day, week, or month
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a given period
- Reality Checks: Receive notifications during play sessions reminding you of time and money spent
- Session Time Limits: Automatically close your account after a set period of play
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from an online casino for a set period or permanently
- Account Closure: Temporarily or permanently close your account
Always use these tools when you sign up. Most reputable casinos make them easily accessible in your account settings.
Support Organisations & Resources
If you're struggling with gambling, confidential help is available. Organisations that can assist you include:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (Te Punaha Hihiri) – Free counselling and support services specifically for New Zealand
www.pgf.nz
Phone: 0800 664 262 (free call) - Gamblers Anonymous Aotearoa New Zealand – Peer support and 12-step meetings
www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
International Support
- GamCare (United Kingdom) – Counselling and support for problem gamblers
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (United Kingdom) – National self-exclusion scheme
www.gamstop.co.uk - Gambling Help Online (Australia) – Information and counselling
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) – Resources and support
www.responsiblegambling.org - National Council on Problem Gambling (United States) – Helpline: 1-800-GAMBLER
www.ncpgambling.org
All of these services are confidential and free to contact.
If You Need Help
There is no shame in asking for help. Problem gambling is a recognised issue, and support services are available 24/7. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling:
- Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation (Te Punaha Hihiri) on 0800 664 262 for confidential support in New Zealand
- Visit your GP or local health service
- Talk to someone you trust about what you're experiencing
- Use self-exclusion tools immediately to take a break from gambling
Recovery is possible. Help is available. Take action today.