Responsible Gaming

Introduction

At Sydney Homeless Connect, we believe online casino gaming should be enjoyed as entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. If you choose to play, set a budget you can afford to lose and stick to it. Remember: the house always has an edge, and all games are based on chance.

Age Verification

Online casinos in New Zealand are only available to players aged 18 years and over. If you are under 18, please do not access casino websites. It is illegal to gamble online if you are under the legal age.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, problem gambling may be developing:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to win back money
• Gambling with money needed for bills, rent, or essentials
• Hiding gambling activity from family or friends
• Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
• Feeling anxious or irritable when unable to gamble
• Neglecting work, study, or relationships due to gambling
• Borrowing money to fund gambling
• Repeatedly trying and failing to stop or reduce gambling
• Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
• Gambling to escape problems or negative emotions

Self-Help Tools

Responsible online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you can lose during a gaming session
• Reality Checks: Receive reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've wagered
• Time-Out: Take a break from gambling for a set period (hours to weeks)
• Self-Exclusion: Exclude yourself from a casino for an extended period (typically 6 months to permanent)

These tools are free and available on most licensed casino platforms. Use them to stay in control.

Support Organisations in New Zealand

If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, these organisations provide free, confidential support:

National Support (New Zealand)

• Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF)
  Phone: 0800 664 262 (free and confidential)
  Website: www.problemgambling.nz
  Offers counselling, support groups, and resources for problem gambling in Aotearoa New Zealand.
• Gamblers Anonymous
  Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
  Free peer support meetings across New Zealand based on the 12-step program.
• 1737 Call or Text (Mental Health Support)
  Phone: 1737 (free call or text, 24/7)
  Free mental health and counselling support available anytime.

International Support Services

• GamCare (United Kingdom)
  Website: www.gamcare.org.uk
  Free support for anyone affected by problem gambling.
• GamStop (United Kingdom)
  Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
  National self-exclusion scheme for online gambling in the UK.
• Gambling Help Online (Australia)
  Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
  Confidential support and information for Australian gamblers.

Call to Action

If gambling is causing you distress or harm, seek help today. There is no shame in reaching out. Support is available, confidential, and free. Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation on 0800 664 262 or visit www.problemgambling.nz now.

Gambling should be fun. If it stops being fun, it's time to get help.