Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
At Showtime Canterbury, we believe online casino gaming should be an enjoyable form of entertainment only. It is never a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Please gamble only with money you can afford to lose, and always view any winnings as a bonus rather than an expectation.
We are committed to promoting responsible gaming practices and supporting players who may be experiencing difficulties.
Age Verification
Online gambling in New Zealand is strictly reserved for individuals aged 18 years and over. All players must verify their age before accessing any casino services. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to gamble. Parents and guardians are encouraged to discuss the risks of gambling with young people.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Recognising the warning signs early is crucial. Please assess yourself honestly against the following checklist:
- Gambling with money needed for essentials (rent, bills, food)
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover lost money
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Hiding gambling activity from friends, family, or partners
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or distressed when not gambling
- Neglecting work, study, hobbies, or relationships due to gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Lying about the extent of your gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, please reach out for support immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Controls
Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified timeframe (daily, weekly, monthly)
- Loss Limits: Establish a maximum amount you are willing to lose
- Reality Checks: Receive regular notifications reminding you how long you have been playing and how much you have spent
- Session Limits: Set automatic time limits for your gaming sessions
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from a casino account
- Account Closure: Close your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely
We recommend using these tools proactively as part of your responsible gaming strategy.
Support Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential support:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (NZ)
Free phone counselling and support services
Phone: 0800 664 262
Website: www.problemgambling.org.nz - Gambling Helpline (Problem Gambling Foundation)
Phone: 0800 664 262
Available 24/7, free and confidential
International Support (for users accessing from other regions)
- GamCare (UK)
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (UK Self-Exclusion Scheme)
www.gamstop.co.uk - Gambling Help Online (Australia)
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
www.responsiblegambling.org - National Council on Problem Gambling (US)
www.ncpgambling.org
All these organisations offer confidential, non-judgmental support at no cost.
Need Help?
If you or someone close to you is experiencing problems with gambling, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in reaching out, and support is always available.
Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation (NZ) on 0800 664 262 or visit their website for more information.
Remember: Recovery is possible, and help is just a phone call away.