Responsible Gaming

Gambling should always be a form of entertainment, not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. At mahdigital.nz, we encourage all players to stay in control and gamble responsibly. If gambling stops being fun or starts to feel like a necessity, it may be time to seek help.

Age Verification

In New Zealand, the legal gambling age is 18 for most forms of gambling, including online pokies. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble. Online casinos are required to verify your age and identity before you can deposit or play. Underage gambling is a serious issue – if you are under 18, please do not attempt to gamble, and if you know someone underage who is gambling, encourage them to stop and seek support.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can develop gradually. Ask yourself:

• Do you chase losses by betting more to win back money you’ve lost?
• Have you ever hidden your gambling from family, friends, or colleagues?
• Do you feel restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling?
• Have you borrowed money, sold possessions, or neglected bills to fund gambling?
• Has gambling caused problems in your relationships, work, or studies?
• Do you gamble to escape stress, anxiety, or other problems?
• Do you think about gambling constantly, or plan your next session while doing other things?
• Have you tried to stop gambling but failed repeatedly?

If you answered “yes” to any of these, gambling may be affecting your life more than you realise. Help is available and free.

Self-Help Tools

Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you stay in control. Use them proactively:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit per day, week, or month.
• Loss Limits: Cap the amount you can lose over a set period.
• Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders that show how long you’ve been playing and how much you’ve spent.
• Time Limits / Session Limits: Restrict the length of each gambling session.
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently block yourself from accessing your account for a chosen period (e.g., 6 months, 1 year, or lifetime).
• Cool-Off Periods: Take a short break from gambling (24 hours to 6 weeks) without permanently closing your account.

All licensed NZ-facing online casinos must offer these tools. If you cannot find them, contact customer support or choose a different platform.

Support Organizations

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, these New Zealand-based services are free, confidential, and available 24/7:

• Gambling Helpline – Call 0800 654 655 or text 8006 for free, professional support.
• Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand (PGF) – Visit www.pgf.nz for counselling, self-help tools, and information.
• Gambling and Addictions Service (Auckland) – Part of the district health board network; ask your GP for a referral or search for local services.

If you are outside New Zealand, please contact your local responsible gambling organisation. Examples include:

• UK: GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk; GamStop – www.gamstop.co.uk
• Australia: Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Canada: Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
• United States: National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org or call 1-800-522-4700
• Germany: Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA) – www.bzga.de

If You Have a Problem, Seek Help Now

You are not alone. Problem gambling is a recognised condition, and effective treatment is available. Reach out today – a single phone call or text message can be the first step towards regaining control. Call the New Zealand Gambling Helpline at 0800 654 655 or visit www.pgf.nz. All services are free, confidential, and non-judgemental.

Remember: Gambling should never be used as a way to make money, pay debts, or escape problems. Play for fun, set limits, and never gamble more than you can afford to lose.