Responsible Gaming at Christchurch Casino NZ

Responsible Gambling at Christchurch Casino

Gambling is meant to be an enjoyable pastime, nothing more. At Christchurch Casino, we take that seriously. Whether you visit us on Victoria Street or engage with our gaming offering in any form, we are committed to making sure gambling stays fun, stays controlled, and never causes harm to you or the people around you.

This page explains the tools available to help you stay in control, the warning signs of problem gambling, and where to turn if you or someone you care about needs support. Please read it carefully. You must be 18 or older to gamble with us.

Our Commitment to Host Responsibility

New Zealand's Gambling Act 2003 requires all licensed casino operators to maintain a Host Responsibility programme. Christchurch Casino operates under the oversight of the Department of Internal Affairs (DIA), and host responsibility is embedded into how we train our team, design our environment, and engage with every guest.

Our staff are trained to recognise the signs of gambling harm and to respond with care, not judgement. We do not celebrate excessive gambling. We do not encourage guests to chase losses. We believe a good night out ends with you feeling good about it the next morning.

The Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 extends responsibility obligations into the digital space as NZ's new licensing regime takes shape. Responsible gambling protections are at the heart of that framework, and we support it fully.

Safer Gambling Tools: Staying in Control

The most effective way to keep gambling enjoyable is to set clear boundaries before you start. The following tools are designed to put you in control of your own experience. We encourage every player to use them as a matter of routine, not just when things feel difficult.

Deposit Limits

A deposit limit lets you cap how much money you load into your account over a set time period, whether that is daily, weekly, or monthly. Once you reach your limit, no further deposits are accepted until the period resets. Setting a deposit limit is one of the simplest and most effective ways to make sure your gambling spend stays within what you have genuinely decided you can afford.

To set or adjust a deposit limit, visit your account settings. Reductions take effect immediately. Increases are subject to a cooling-off period to protect you from impulsive decisions made in the heat of the moment.

Loss Limits

A loss limit works alongside your deposit limit by capping how much you can lose in a given period. If you reach your loss limit, you will be prevented from placing further bets until the limit period refreshes. This tool is especially useful if you find that deposits alone do not fully reflect your in-session spending.

Time Limits and Session Reminders

It is easy to lose track of time when you are absorbed in a game. Time limits allow you to set a maximum session length, after which you will be prompted to stop. Reality check reminders work in a similar way: at intervals you choose, a notification appears telling you how long you have been playing and how much you have spent during that session. You can then make a clear, informed decision about whether to continue or call it a day.

We strongly recommend setting a time limit before every session, even if you feel completely in control. It is a healthy habit, not a sign of weakness.

Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion is a formal commitment to stop gambling for a defined period. It is the right choice if you feel your gambling has started to affect your finances, your relationships, or your mental health, or if you simply want a meaningful break.

When you self-exclude, you are blocked from accessing your account and from receiving any marketing communications from us. Self-exclusion periods typically range from a minimum of several months to a permanent option. We will not contact you with promotions during any exclusion period.

To request self-exclusion, contact our responsible gambling team directly. We will process your request promptly and without making it difficult for you. If you visit us at 30 Victoria Street, Christchurch, our staff can assist you in person.

New Zealand also operates a national self-exclusion register. You can register to be excluded from multiple venues and platforms through the Department of Internal Affairs. We encourage you to explore that option if you want broader coverage.

Account Cooling-Off

If you are not ready for full self-exclusion but want to step back for a short period, a cooling-off or temporary account suspension lets you pause your account for a shorter defined window. Your account is locked and inaccessible during that time. This is a useful tool if you are going through a stressful period and want to remove the temptation without making a longer-term commitment.

Recognising Problem Gambling

Problem gambling does not always look dramatic. It can creep up gradually, and it can affect people who are otherwise perfectly capable and responsible. Being honest with yourself about the following signs takes courage, but it is the most important step.

You may be experiencing gambling harm if you notice any of the following:

• You spend more money gambling than you originally planned to, on a regular basis.
• You gamble with money set aside for rent, bills, groceries, or other essential expenses.
• You borrow money, sell possessions, or find other ways to fund gambling.
• You feel irritable, anxious, or restless when you try to cut back or stop.
• You return to gambling soon after a loss, trying to win your money back.
• You hide how much time or money you spend gambling from family or friends.
• Gambling is affecting your sleep, your work, or your relationships.
• You feel a need to bet larger amounts to get the same level of excitement.
• You have tried to stop or cut back but have not been able to.
• Gambling feels less like entertainment and more like an escape from stress or difficult feelings.

If several of these resonate with you, please do not wait to seek help. Gambling harm is a recognised health issue, and effective support is available in New Zealand at no cost to you.

Getting Help in New Zealand

You do not need to be in crisis to reach out. Early conversations are always easier than later ones, and every support service listed below is free, confidential, and non-judgemental.

Gambling Helpline NZ

The Gambling Helpline is New Zealand's dedicated free telephone support service for anyone affected by gambling, whether that is the person gambling or a family member or friend. Trained counsellors are available around the clock, every day of the year.

Call or text 1737 for free mental health support, available 24 hours a day.
Call 0800 654 655 (Gambling Helpline NZ), free, available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

You can also chat online at the Gambling Helpline website. If you are not ready to talk, you can text and receive support that way instead.

Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand

The Problem Gambling Foundation offers free counselling, support groups, and financial advice for people affected by gambling harm. They work with individuals, whanau, and communities across New Zealand, with a strong focus on culturally appropriate support for Maori and Pacific communities.

Mapu Maia

Mapu Maia is a specialist problem gambling service for Pacific peoples in New Zealand. If you or your family would benefit from Pacific-focused support, Mapu Maia offers confidential counselling and community-based help.

Family and Friends

Gambling harm affects the people around the person gambling, not just the individual themselves. Family members and close friends can also access free counselling and support through the Gambling Helpline and the Problem Gambling Foundation. You do not need to be the one with the gambling problem to deserve support.

Tips for Gambling Responsibly

Even if you are not experiencing any of the warning signs above, these habits will help keep gambling a positive part of your life rather than a harmful one:

• Set a budget before you start and treat it as money spent on entertainment, not an investment.
• Never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose.
• Take regular breaks. Step away from the screen or the floor and do something else.
• Avoid gambling when you are feeling stressed, low, or have been drinking heavily. Your decision-making is affected.
• Keep gambling as one of many leisure activities in your life, not the main one.
• Be honest with yourself regularly about how gambling makes you feel.
• Talk openly with people you trust about your gambling habits.

A Note on Under-18s

You must be 18 or older to gamble at Christchurch Casino, whether at our venue at 30 Victoria Street or through any digital channel associated with our brand. This is a legal requirement under New Zealand law and a line we do not compromise on. If we have reason to believe a person is under 18, we will request proof of age and refuse access if it cannot be provided.

We also ask parents and caregivers to make use of parental control software if you share devices with younger members of your household. Tools such as browser-level content filters can provide an additional layer of protection.

Regulatory Oversight

Christchurch Casino's land-based operations are regulated by the Department of Internal Affairs under the Gambling Act 2003. The DIA is the authority responsible for casino control in New Zealand. If you have a concern about responsible gambling compliance at our venue, you can contact the DIA directly at www.dia.govt.nz.

New Zealand's Online Casino Gambling Act 2026 introduces a new licensing framework for online casino gaming in New Zealand, administered by the DIA. We support this framework and its strong emphasis on player protection.

We Are Here to Help

If you have any questions about the tools available to you, need help setting limits, or want to speak to someone at Christchurch Casino directly about a concern, please get in touch with our team. You will not be judged. You will be heard.

Remember: gambling should always be a choice made freely, within your means, and for enjoyment. The moment it stops feeling that way, reach out.

Gambling Helpline NZ: 0800 654 655 (free, 24/7)
You must be 18 or older to gamble. Play responsibly.