Responsible Gambling

At Crazy Time NZ, we believe gambling should be a form of entertainment – not a way to make money or escape problems. We are committed to promoting responsible gambling and providing resources to help you stay in control.

What is Responsible Gambling?

Responsible gambling means enjoying gambling as entertainment while understanding that:

• The outcome is based on chance – you cannot control or predict results
• The house always has an edge – you will lose money over time
• Gambling should never be used to solve financial problems
• You should only gamble with money you can afford to lose
• Setting limits on time and money is essential

Tips for Safe Gambling

💰 Set a Budget

Before you start playing, decide how much money you can afford to lose. This should be money allocated for entertainment – not rent, bills, or savings. Once you've spent your budget, stop playing.

⏰ Set Time Limits

It's easy to lose track of time when gambling. Set a timer or use casino tools to remind you when you've been playing for a certain period. Take regular breaks.

🚫 Never Chase Losses

Trying to win back money you've lost is one of the most dangerous gambling behaviours. Accept that losing is part of gambling and walk away when you've reached your limit.

🍺 Don't Gamble Under the Influence

Alcohol and drugs impair judgement. Avoid gambling when you're intoxicated, as you're more likely to make poor decisions and spend more than intended.

⚖️ Keep Balance in Your Life

Gambling should not be your primary source of entertainment or socialisation. Maintain other hobbies, relationships, and activities.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

You may have a gambling problem if you:

• Spend more time or money gambling than you intended
• Feel restless or irritable when trying to stop gambling
• Keep gambling to try to win back money you've lost
• Lie to family members or friends about your gambling
• Borrow money or sell possessions to gamble
• Neglect work, family, or personal responsibilities due to gambling
• Feel anxious, depressed, or guilty about your gambling
• Need to gamble with increasing amounts of money to feel excitement
• Have tried to cut back or stop but couldn't
• Gamble to escape problems or negative feelings

Self-Assessment

Ask yourself these questions honestly. If you answer "yes" to any of them, you may want to seek help:

1. Have you ever felt the need to bet more and more money?
2. Have you ever lied to people important to you about how much you gambled?
3. Have you ever felt the need to gamble again to win back money you lost?
4. Have you ever borrowed money or sold something to get money to gamble?
5. Have you ever felt that you might have a problem with gambling?

Casino Self-Exclusion Tools

Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you control your gambling:

• Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits
• Loss Limits: Set limits on how much you can lose
• Session Time Limits: Receive reminders or automatic logouts
• Cooling-Off Periods: Take a short break from gambling
• Self-Exclusion: Block yourself from gambling for months or years
• Reality Checks: Receive regular notifications showing time and money spent

Getting Help in New Zealand

International Resources

• BeGambleAware (UK): begambleaware.org
• GamCare (UK): gamcare.org.uk
• Gamblers Anonymous: gamblersanonymous.org
• Responsible Gambling Council: responsiblegambling.org

For Friends and Family

If you're concerned about someone else's gambling, you can also access support. The NZ Gambling Helpline offers advice for friends and family members of people with gambling problems. You don't need to face this alone.