Responsible Gambling
Responsible gambling is a process of planning, monitoring and stopping. It is not only a notice shown after a problem appears. accessalliance.org.nz presents this page as a practical decision guide for users who want to keep gambling within controlled entertainment limits.
Gambling always carries the possibility of loss. A user should never depend on winnings for rent, bills, debt payments, savings or daily expenses. The purpose of limits is to protect essential parts of life before emotions affect decisions.
Step 1: decide before depositing
Before a session starts, the user should decide:
- The maximum amount that can be lost.
- The maximum time that can be spent.
- The point at which the session will end.
- Whether any bonus conditions fit the plan.
- Whether the user is calm, sober and able to think clearly.
These decisions should not be changed during the session.
Step 2: separate gambling funds
Gambling money should be separate from essential money. It should not come from credit, loans, emergency savings or another person's funds.
A useful rule is simple: if losing the full amount would create financial stress, the amount is not affordable.
Step 3: monitor behaviour
Users should pay attention to how they behave, not only how much they win or lose. Risk can appear through repeated small actions.
Warning signs may include:
- Making several deposits in one session.
- Increasing stakes after a loss.
- Extending the session repeatedly.
- Cancelling or reversing withdrawals to continue playing.
- Hiding activity from family or a partner.
- Borrowing money to deposit.
- Playing when angry, lonely, tired or stressed.
- Thinking that one more bet will solve the loss.
- Trying to reopen access after taking a break.
- Feeling unable to stop without outside help.
Chasing losses
Chasing losses means continuing mainly to recover money that has already been lost. It can make users increase stakes, ignore time limits and deposit more than planned.
A loss should not create a new target. When the planned budget is gone, the session should end.
Bonus pressure
Promotions can make users feel that they must keep playing before a deadline. Wagering requirements and bonus expiry can turn a planned short session into a long one.
Before claiming a bonus, users should ask:
| Question | Safer interpretation |
|---|---|
| Can I complete wagering within my normal budget? | If not, skip the bonus |
| Will the expiry create pressure? | If yes, do not claim it |
| Do I understand the maximum bet? | If not, stop and check |
| Are the games I want eligible? | If unclear, do not rely on the offer |
| Are winnings capped? | Consider whether the bonus is worthwhile |
A bonus should fit the user's limits. The user's limits should never be changed to fit a bonus.
Deposit limits
A deposit limit can help stop impulsive spending. It should be set before play and kept in place after losses.
Users should avoid repeatedly increasing limits. A request to raise a limit during an emotional period is a sign that a break may be more appropriate.
Session limits and reminders
Long sessions can reduce judgement. Users may become less aware of time and more likely to make automatic decisions.
Session reminders can help, but they only work if the user follows them. If reminders are ignored repeatedly, a time-out may be needed.
Cooling-off
A cooling-off period is a temporary break from gambling. It may be useful after losses, repeated deposits, emotional play or a failure to respect limits.
During cooling-off, users should avoid:
- Opening gambling accounts.
- Checking odds or promotions.
- Looking for a new account.
- Using another person's details.
- Replacing the break with gambling elsewhere.
The purpose of cooling-off is to create real distance from the urge to continue.
Self-exclusion
Self-exclusion is a stronger control for users who cannot maintain limits. It may block access for a set period or permanently, depending on the available process.
Self-exclusion should not be bypassed through new accounts, different devices, another person's identity or alternative payment methods. Attempts to bypass exclusion indicate that gambling may already be causing serious harm.
Financial controls
Users may reduce risk by:
- Removing saved payment methods.
- Lowering banking or wallet limits.
- Keeping essential money in a separate account.
- Blocking gambling transactions where available.
- Asking a trusted person for help with finances.
- Avoiding credit and borrowed funds.
When account closure is appropriate
Account closure may be the right choice if the user repeatedly breaks limits, gambles with essential money, hides activity or experiences serious stress.
Closing an account is not a punishment. It is a protective decision.
Protecting minors
Gambling services are for adults only. Users should keep passwords, devices and payment methods away from minors. Shared devices should not remain logged in.
Adults should not present gambling as a normal way to earn money. Minors should not be allowed to participate in betting decisions or account use.
A final self-check
A user should stop and take action if any of the following is true:
- Gambling is no longer enjoyable.
- The user feels pressure to recover losses.
- Deposits are hidden.
- Essential money is being used.
- Limits are changed repeatedly.
- The user cannot stop at the planned time.
- Relationships or work are affected.
Responsible gambling means being willing to stop before the situation becomes worse.