Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online casino gaming should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. We are committed to promoting responsible gambling practices and supporting the wellbeing of our players in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Age Verification
All players must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online casino gaming in New Zealand. It is illegal for anyone under this age to gamble. We take age verification seriously and reserve the right to request proof of age at any time.
Parents and caregivers: if you have concerns about a young person's online activity, please speak with them and seek support from appropriate resources.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you experience any of the following, you may be developing a gambling problem. Please seek help immediately:
- Chasing losses by gambling more money to recover what you've lost
- Gambling with money needed for essentials (rent, bills, food)
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount of time or money spent
- Neglecting family, work, or other important responsibilities due to gambling
- Experiencing mood changes, anxiety, or irritability when not gambling
- Feeling the need to gamble with increasing amounts of money for the same excitement
- Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Damaged relationships due to gambling activities
- Using gambling to escape problems or emotional stress
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Features
Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control over your gambling. Take advantage of these features:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit over a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the maximum amount you can lose during a gaming session
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders during play sessions about how long and how much you've been gambling
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Period: Take a break from gambling for a set period (hours, days, or weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently close your account to prevent access to your casino account
- Account Closure: Permanently delete your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely
These tools are designed to help you gamble responsibly. Use them proactively to manage your gaming habits.
Support Organisations & Resources
If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, the following organisations provide free, confidential support:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline NZ: www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
Free phone: 0800 654 655 (available 24/7)
Email: help@gamblinghelpline.co.nz - Problem Gambling Foundation: www.problemgambling.org.nz
Phone: 0800 664 262
International Resources
- United Kingdom: GamCare — www.gamcare.org.uk
- United Kingdom: GamStop (Self-Exclusion Register) — 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
Get Help Today
If gambling is causing you distress or negatively affecting your life, remember that help is available and recovery is possible. Reach out to one of the organisations listed above — they are staffed by trained professionals who understand problem gambling and can provide confidential support.
You are not alone. Many people have successfully addressed gambling problems with proper support. Taking the first step to seek help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
mateshop.co.nz is committed to responsible gaming. This information is provided for educational purposes. If you choose to gamble, please do so responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose.