Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At Whangaripo Buffalo, we're committed to promoting responsible gaming practices. Online casinos should be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to make money or solve financial problems. Always gamble within your means and only with money you can afford to lose.
If you're in New Zealand and seeking online casino entertainment, please do so responsibly and within the legal framework of your region.
Age Verification
All players must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gaming activities in New Zealand. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble online. Licensed operators are required to verify player age and identity before allowing access to gaming platforms.
If you are under 18, please do not attempt to access online casinos. If you have concerns about a young person's gaming habits, contact the organisations listed below.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Be aware of these warning signs that may indicate a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about the time and money spent gambling
- Gambling with money meant for essentials (rent, utilities, groceries)
- Neglecting work, study, family, or social commitments due to gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve the same level of excitement
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or emotional distress
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Loss of interest in hobbies and activities that don't involve gambling
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone else, it's important to seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Harm Minimisation
Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control over your gaming:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount of losses you're willing to accept
- Session Time Limits: Automatically log out after a set period to prevent extended play
- Reality Checks: Regular notifications reminding you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing your account
- Account Cooling Off: Take a break from gaming for a specified period
Use these tools proactively as part of your responsible gaming strategy.
Support Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organisations provide confidential support:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation – Free, confidential support and counselling
www.pgf.nz | Phone: 0800 664 262 - Gambling Harm Reduction Services – Information and support for problem gambling in Aotearoa
www.gamblingsupport.org.nz
International Support
- GamCare (UK) – Free, confidential support and counselling
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (UK) – National self-exclusion scheme
www.gamstop.co.uk - Gambling Help Online (Australia) – Counselling and support services
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) – Evidence-based information and resources
www.responsiblegambling.org - National Council on Problem Gambling (USA) – Confidential helpline and resources
www.ncpgambling.org
Take Action Today
If you think you might have a gambling problem, please seek help now. Problem gambling is treatable, and support is available.
Remember: Gambling should only ever be a form of entertainment. If it's causing you stress, financial hardship, or affecting your relationships and wellbeing, it's time to reach out to one of the organisations listed above.
Your wellbeing is important. Support is confidential, free, and just a phone call or click away.