Responsible Gambling

Why responsible gambling matters

Gambling products can be entertaining for some adults when they are used occasionally, within limits and without unrealistic expectations. However, even legal and regulated products can become harmful if a person starts spending more than planned, relying on gambling emotionally or treating random outcomes as a way to solve financial pressure. Responsible gambling means maintaining control over time, money, expectations and motivation.

On an online platform, convenience can sometimes make it easier for participation to become more frequent than intended. For that reason, clear information, visible reminders and structured account tools are especially important. We aim to design the user experience so that responsible participation is encouraged at every step, not only after a problem has already developed.

Practical signs that it may be time to pause

Some warning signs are financial, such as spending more than you intended, increasing your budget after losses, using money meant for bills or borrowing to continue participating. Other signs are emotional, such as feeling anxious when you cannot play, becoming irritable after a result, or using gambling to distract yourself from stress, loneliness or other problems.

There may also be behavioural signs, including hiding activity from a partner or family member, thinking about gambling constantly, creating rules to justify spending more, or losing track of how often you participate. If these signs begin to appear, it can help to pause immediately, review your activity history and seek outside support before the pattern becomes more difficult to change.

Self-control tools available on the platform

The platform may offer a range of tools to help users stay aware of their activity and remain in control. These can include spend limits, activity reminders, breaks in play, account review prompts, transaction history pages and clear support links. These features are not intended to interrupt normal use without reason; they are there to help users stay informed about their own behaviour and act early when needed.

Users are encouraged to set limits before they feel under pressure, not after a difficult result. A limit is most useful when it is selected calmly and respected consistently. Reviewing the account history regularly can also help users notice if their behaviour is becoming more frequent or more expensive than they expected.

Important myths to avoid

One common myth is that a sequence of previous results changes the probability of what will happen next. This is not how independent draws work. Another myth is that spending more increases the fairness of the result or creates a “better chance” in a way that changes the random nature of the game. Larger spending may increase exposure, but it does not remove randomness or guarantee any return.

It is also important not to confuse excitement about a large jackpot with a rational expectation of success. Bigger prizes can attract more attention, but they do not convert gambling into an investment or a reliable source of income.

Help and support resources

If you feel your gambling is affecting your wellbeing, finances, work or relationships, specialist support services are available. You can seek confidential information, discuss practical next steps and ask for help whether the issue is early-stage or more serious. Family members, partners and close friends can also seek guidance if they are worried about someone else’s behaviour.

• Help and information: gamblinghelponline.org.nz
• Problem Gambling Foundation: 0800 664 262
• Support line: 0800 654 655

When urgent help is needed

If gambling harm is connected to acute distress, family crisis, safety concerns or emergency situations, do not wait for the issue to improve on its own. Contact emergency services or immediate community support resources in your area. Gambling should never come before personal safety or urgent wellbeing needs.