Responsible play
We have probably all witnessed it before – a football match can become more exciting if you have placed a bet on it, and an evening at the casino can be fun and exciting as real money is involved.
However, games of chance also entail danger because you can lose (a lot of) money and maybe even become addicted to gambling. Therefore, play consciously and deal responsibly with games of chance.
It is essential to realize that games of chance always favor the house, including odds offered by online bookmakers. The only exception to this rule are some poker variants, where you play against other players and not against the casino, bank, or house.
You simply cannot beat the casino in the long run. And even in poker, winning structurally is only possible for a small percentage of all poker players. Unless you cheat, you will lose out in the long run for all other games. The bank always wins, so to speak.
At OnlineCasinosRealMoney.co.nz we have a lot of information about all games of chance that are offered by New Zealand online casinos and by casinos and bookmakers in general. We have extensive articles on the optimal blackjack strategy and the best way to play roulette, for example. What is beyond dispute, however, is that even with an optimal strategy, the house still has an advantage over you.
The casino, be it an arcade or online, earns from you the more you play. After all, they also have to pay their dealers, software developers, servers, and customer service and also want to keep a profit afterward. Some games have a more considerable house edge than others, but every game is designed in such a way that the casino wins in the long run.
By Amelia Smith - Last modified 17/01/2025 - Estimated reading time: 5 minutes.
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Play Responsibly at 20+
In New Zealand, participating in online gambling at offshore and foreign-owned casinos is legal under specific conditions. The Department of Internal Affairs outlines regulations that online casinos must follow to offer their games to New Zealand players.
A key requirement is that players must be 20 years or older to engage in gambling activities. This rule applies whether you're visiting SkyCity, Christchurch Casino, Dunedin Casino, or creating an account at an online casino. By comparison, some countries enforce a minimum gambling age of 21.
The Department of Internal Affairs, or Te Tari Taiwhenua, provides detailed explanations about the age limit and classifies gambling into categories 1, 2, or 3 based on risk levels and regulatory requirements. Their guidelines emphasize the importance of responsible gaming to minimize harm.
Some games of chance are more addictive than others. For example, lotteries are considered less addictive because the results are not immediate. However, even with lotteries, caution is necessary. If you find yourself rushing to buy tickets or obsessing over draws, it might indicate a loss of control.
Under the 2003 Gambling Act, remote interactive gambling hosted by New Zealand-based companies is prohibited. This means local companies cannot offer online gambling. However, playing at offshore, foreign-owned online casinos remains permissible under the law.
Tips for Responsible Gaming
The team at OnlineCasinosRealMoney.co.nz has compiled essential tips for maintaining control while gambling:
Set a budget before playing - Decide in advance how much money you can afford to lose. This helps you recognize when you cross your self-imposed limits and take action accordingly.
Understand the game rules - Familiarize yourself with the rules of the games you play. Misunderstanding rules can increase the house edge and lead to quicker losses. You can explore detailed game guides on OnlineCasinosRealMoney or request the rules from your chosen casino.
Take breaks and avoid long sessions - Playing for extended periods can lead to frustration and poor decision-making. Regular breaks help maintain focus and prevent emotional exhaustion. Many online casinos allow you to set time limits on your account.
Ensure you're playing for fun - Gambling should always be about entertainment. If you're playing out of boredom, habit, or to recover losses, it's a sign to stop. Be honest with yourself and assess whether you're still enjoying the experience.
Developing a habit of regular play can lead to losing control. If you find yourself gambling more frequently than intended or experiencing negative consequences, consider seeking help.
Self-Exclusion
If you suspect you have a gambling problem, self-exclusion can be an effective first step. Most online and land-based casinos allow you to exclude yourself from gambling for a specific period or permanently.
Even if you haven't experienced severe financial or social consequences, self-exclusion is a proactive measure to avoid potential harm. It's always better to take action early rather than wait for a crisis to develop.
Institutions That Can Provide Assistance
New Zealand offers a variety of free resources for individuals struggling with gambling addiction:
Safer Gambling Aotearoa - Safer Gambling Aotearoa offers support through local service centers and counseling for problem gamblers.
Gambling Helpline Aotearoa - Gambling Helpline Aotearoa provides 24/7 phone support through its divisions, including the Māori, Pasifika, Debt, and Youth Gambling Helplines. Additional resources are available through its online forum.
More Information About Gambling Addiction in New Zealand
The Department of Internal Affairs has an extensive page and brochure about responsible gaming called 'Problem Gambling in New Zealand'. The Ministry of Health, a collection of gambling providers in New Zealand and the state, also has information available online about responsible gaming here.
Frequently Asked Questions about Responsible Gaming in NZ
Why is gambling so addictive?
Gambling stimulates the brain’s reward system in a way similar to drugs or alcohol, which can lead to addiction. Problem gamblers may chase losses, use up savings, and incur debt.
What causes gambling addiction?
Gambling addiction arises from a mix of biological, genetic, and environmental factors. Influences include mental health issues, impulsive traits, and social pressures.
Can gambling addiction be treated?
While challenging, gambling addiction can be managed through therapy, medication, and support groups. Preventative measures like self-exclusion also help.
Where can I find gambling counseling in NZ?
Resources such as the Māori Gambling Helpline, Problem Gambling Foundation, and Pasifika Ola Lelei Services offer support.
What is self-exclusion?
Self-exclusion allows individuals to ban themselves from gambling activities for a designated period, helping to prevent compulsive behaviors.
Author and fact checker: Amelia Smith
Expertise: Casino Games, Croupier and related topics.
Experience: Writing since 2019 with over 15 years in the gambling industry, Amelia has spoken at multiple events.
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