Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online casino gaming is designed to be a form of entertainment and should never be viewed as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While many people enjoy gaming responsibly, it's important to understand the risks and play within your limits.
At healthtechchallenge.co.nz, we are committed to promoting responsible gaming practices and supporting the wellbeing of our community.
Age Verification
All players must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gaming in New Zealand. We take age verification seriously and verify the identity of all users before allowing access to gaming services.
If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register or access gaming platforms.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Be aware of these warning signs:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
- Hiding your gambling activities from family or friends
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Feeling anxious or irritable when unable to gamble
- Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
- Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities due to gambling
- Lying about the extent of your gambling
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or other emotional problems
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, please seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Features
Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control of your gaming:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose during a gaming session
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders during gameplay showing how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Time Limits: Set a maximum duration for each gaming session
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming platforms
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you wish to stop gaming
We encourage you to use these tools to play safely and within your means.
Support & Helpline Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. Please reach out to one of these organisations:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation – Free helpline and support services
Phone: 0800 654 655 | Website: www.pgf.nz - Gamblers Anonymous New Zealand – Support groups and peer counselling
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
International Resources
- GamCare (United Kingdom) – www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (United Kingdom) – National self-exclusion scheme – www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gambling Help Online (Australia) – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) – www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (United States) – www.ncpgambling.org
Need Help?
If you believe you have a problem with gambling, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in reaching out—professional support is available and can make a real difference.
Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation (New Zealand) today:
Phone: 0800 654 655 (free and confidential)
Website: www.pgf.nz
Remember: gambling should always be fun, not a problem. Play responsibly and within your limits.