Responsible Gaming in New Zealand

1. Regulatory Foundation

Responsible gaming in New Zealand is established under the Gambling Act 2003 and associated regulations. The Department of Internal Affairs issues guidelines for all licensed casino and non-casino operators, covering harm prevention, minimisation, and responsible gambling protocols. These standards address educational initiatives, technical requirements for gambling equipment, and operational procedures for emerging technologies.

All operators are required to implement measures for identifying and addressing problem gambling behaviours. The Ministry of Health recognises gambling harm as a significant public health concern, coordinating national strategies, research, and service commissioning through Health New Zealand - Te Whatu Ora.

2. Support Services

The Gambling Helpline New Zealand provides 24/7 confidential assistance at 0800 654 655, offering immediate support and referral services for those affected by gambling-related harm.

The Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand operates as a primary treatment provider with over 60 locations nationwide, offering free and confidential counselling. Services are culturally inclusive, including Asian Family Services and collaborations with local authorities. For policy enquiries, the Ministry of Health can be contacted at (04) 496 2000.

3. Venue-Level Implementation

Industry trusts and venue operators must comply with statutory requirements for responsible gaming. This includes:

• Distribution of Gamble Host Packs to all venues
• Mandatory staff training on problem gambling awareness
• Formal policies for identifying and responding to problem gamblers
• Ongoing compliance monitoring

Venue staff are trained to recognise warning signs and respond, including providing support information and processing voluntary exclusion requests. Organisations such as The North & South Trust incorporate harm prevention criteria into grant assessments, ensuring funded venues meet responsible gaming standards.

4. Operator Commitments

Licensed casino operators, including but not limited to Grand Casino Dunedin, adhere to best practice responsible gambling standards, such as:

• Ensuring a secure gambling environment
• Training staff in harm identification and response
• Displaying available support service information
• Maintaining self-exclusion programmes
• Observing restrictions on advertising and promotions

Online casino and betting platforms apply digital harm prevention tools including self-exclusion functions, deposit limits, session time notifications, and educational resources. Behavioural monitoring enables early detection of at-risk users and activates intervention procedures.

5. Industry Coordination

The Australasian Gaming Council collaborates with stakeholders across Australia and New Zealand to promote evidence-based conduct codes, facilitate the spread of research, and support the continuous development of player protection measures. Initiatives focus on adapting to technological advancements and aligning practices with both local regulations and international standards.

6. Core Principles

Responsible gaming is based on the following principles:

• Gambling is a form of entertainment, not a source of income
• Participants should be informed of risks and odds
• Gambling should be balanced alongside other activities
• Predatory or coercive practices are not permitted
• Vulnerable individuals must be proactively protected
• Harm prevention has priority over commercial interests

Operators and venues must prevent environments that encourage excessive gambling and ensure access to support resources.

7. Participant Responsibilities

Users of gambling services are expected to:

• Set and adhere to personal spending and time limits
• Recognise that outcomes are determined by chance
• Seek help if gambling results in personal, financial, or relationship issues
• Use available tools including self-exclusion and deposit limits
• Avoid gambling under the influence of alcohol or drugs

8. Ongoing Development

The responsible gaming framework is reviewed and updated in response to advancements in technology, research, and community requirements. The Department of Internal Affairs regularly revises guidelines and licence conditions to accommodate new gambling formats. Service providers adjust treatment approaches based on evidence and client feedback, while the Ministry of Health monitors prevalence and evaluates interventions.

All involved parties, including regulators, operators, trusts, treatment providers, and participants, share responsibility for maintaining a regulated environment that reduces harm and respects individual choice.