Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Financial Solution
Online pokies and casino games are designed purely for entertainment purposes. They should never be viewed as a way to earn money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. The odds always favour the house, and losses are an expected part of gaming. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and always keep gaming as a recreational activity within your budget.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gaming in Aotearoa New Zealand. This is a legal requirement under the Gambling Act 2003. By accessing gaming services through localartisan.co.nz, you confirm that you meet this age requirement. Underage gambling is illegal and harmful to young people's wellbeing and development.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do any of these warning signs apply to you? If so, it may be time to seek support:
- Chasing losses by gambling more money to recover what you've lost
- Gambling with money meant for essentials (rent, bills, groceries, medications)
- Hiding your gambling activity from family, friends, or whānau
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or stressed when not gambling
- Losing track of time or money spent gaming
- Neglecting work, school, relationships, or responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gaming
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Using gaming to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Others expressing concern about your gambling habits
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you care about, seeking professional support is an important step.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online gaming platforms offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to spend per day, week, or month. Stick to this limit strictly.
- Loss Limits: Set a cap on how much you're prepared to lose before you stop playing.
- Reality Checks: Enable regular pop-up reminders showing how long you've been playing and how much you've spent.
- Session Limits: Set time limits for each gaming session to prevent extended play.
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently ban yourself from accessing gaming platforms when you need a break.
- Account Cooling Off: Take a break from gaming for a set period without closing your account permanently.
Use these tools proactively. They are there to protect your wellbeing and financial security.
Support Organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, free and confidential support is available:
New Zealand Support Services
- Problem Gambling Foundation (Aotearoa)
Free telephone counselling and support services
Phone: 0800 664 262 (toll-free)
Website: www.pgf.nz - Gambling Helpline (Problem Gambling Foundation)
Available 24/7 for crisis support and counselling
Phone: 0800 664 262
Chat: Available online at pgf.nz - Samaritans Aotearoa New Zealand
Support for distress and crisis (including gambling-related stress)
Phone: 1800 726 666
Website: www.samaritans.org.nz - 1737 Helpline
Free call or text support for anyone in Aotearoa
Call or text: 1737
Website: www.1737.org.nz
International Support (for users in other regions)
- United Kingdom: GamCare | GamStop (Self-Exclusion)
- Australia: Gambling Help Online
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling
- Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
All support services listed are free, confidential, and staffed by trained professionals who understand problem gambling.
Take Action Today
If you're experiencing difficulties with gambling, or if someone close to you is, reaching out for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The sooner you seek support, the sooner you can regain control and protect your wellbeing and finances.
Don't wait—contact one of the support services above today. Help is available, and you are not alone.
If you're in immediate crisis, please call 1737 (Aotearoa New Zealand) or your local emergency services.
This Responsible Gaming information is provided for educational purposes. localartisan.co.nz is committed to promoting safe and responsible gaming practices. If you choose to gamble online, do so responsibly and within your means. For the most current information on New Zealand gambling regulations, visit the Department of Internal Affairs Gambling Services.