Responsible Gaming

Our Commitment to Safe and Balanced Play

At sustainablewanaka.co.nz, our goal is to help players navigate the world of online gambling safely. We believe that gambling should strictly be a form of leisure, fun, and entertainment—never a solution to financial difficulties, an alternative to employment, or a guaranteed way to make money. The outcome of any casino game is based entirely on chance, and there are no strategies that can guarantee a profit. You should only ever wager funds you can afford to lose without impacting your daily life, well-being, or commitments.

Strict Age Restrictions: 18+ Only

Underage gambling is illegal. In New Zealand, you must be at least 18 years of age to participate in offshore online gambling, sports betting, and scratch cards (and 20 years of age to enter a land-based casino). We strictly enforce an 18+ policy across all content and recommendations featured on sustainablewanaka.co.nz.

We advise parents and guardians to safeguard their devices and prevent minors from accessing gambling services. Tools such as Net Nanny and CyberPatrol can assist in blocking access to gambling domains on shared household devices.

Recognising the Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Gambling harm can develop gradually and often goes unnoticed until it begins affecting personal relationships, finances, or mental health. Review the checklist below to assess your habits or those of someone you care about:

• Chasing losses: Returning to gamble immediately or shortly after losing money in an attempt to win it back.
• Exceeding limits: Consistently gambling longer or spending more money than originally intended.
• Secrecy and dishonesty: Hiding the extent of your gambling, lying to family or friends about how much time or money is spent.
• Financial strain: Borrowing money, selling personal belongings, or neglecting essential household bills to gamble.
• Preoccupation: Constantly thinking about past bets, planning future sessions, or feeling restless when unable to gamble.
• Emotional escape: Using gambling as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, depression, boredom, or loneliness.
• Neglecting responsibilities: Missing work, studies, or family commitments due to time spent gambling.

Tools to Help You Stay in Control

Reputable online casino operators provide dedicated player-protection tools designed to help you manage your activity. We strongly urge all players to configure these limits as soon as an account is created:

• Deposit Limits: Cap the amount of money you can deposit into your account on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum threshold for how much money you can lose over a designated time frame.
• Session Limits & Reality Checks: Activate pop-up alerts that track your time on site and remind you when your intended session length has elapsed.
• Cool-Off / Time-Out Periods: Temporarily suspend access to your account for a short duration (ranging from 24 hours to several weeks).
• Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily restrict your access to your casino accounts for extended periods (e.g., 6 months, 1 year, or permanently). Operators are required to close access and prevent further marketing during this period.

Free, Confidential Support in New Zealand

If you or someone you know is experiencing harm related to gambling, free, professional, and confidential support is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week across Aotearoa New Zealand:

• Gambling Helpline New Zealand
  Free call: 0800 654 655 | Free text: 8006
  Website: www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
  Immediate, 24/7 confidential phone and online support, offering dedicated services including Māori Gambling Helpline, Pasifika Gambling Helpline, and Youth Gambling Helpline.
• PGF Services (Problem Gambling Foundation)
  Free call: 0800 664 262
  Website: www.pgf.nz
  Professional counselling, support groups, and resources for individuals and whānau impacted by gambling harm.
• Salvation Army Oasis
  Free call: 0800 53 00 00
  Website: www.salvationarmy.org.nz/oasis
  Free, non-judgmental, professional counselling and financial mentoring services throughout New Zealand.
• Gamblers Anonymous New Zealand
  Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
  A fellowship of men and women sharing experiences, strength, and hope to overcome problem gambling together.

Take the First Step: Seek Help Today

Acknowledging that gambling has ceased to be enjoyable is an act of strength, not weakness. Harm from gambling is treatable, and you do not have to handle it alone. If you feel you are losing control, step away from the screen, reach out to one of the trained professionals above, or speak with someone you trust. Support is free, confidential, and available right now.