Responsible Gaming
Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
At Piper's Cafe, we believe gambling should only ever be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Betting sites and casinos are designed to be enjoyed responsibly, and the odds always favour the house in the long term.
If you're going to gamble, only use money you can afford to lose, and set strict limits before you start playing.
Age Verification
Gambling in New Zealand is only legal for persons aged 18 years or older. All online casinos and betting sites require age verification before account creation and first deposit.
If you are under 18, you must not gamble. Using false identification to access gambling services is illegal.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Chasing losses by gambling more money to recover what you've lost
- Hiding gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling with money intended for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
- Spending more time and money on gambling than you intended
- Neglecting work, study, or personal relationships due to gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Lying about the amount of money or time spent gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Failed attempts to stop or reduce gambling
- Gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
If you've ticked more than one box, consider reaching out to a support organisation.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online casinos and betting sites offer tools to help you stay in control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a daily, weekly, or monthly period
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose before stopping play
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders showing how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from a betting site or casino
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic session timeouts to prevent excessive play
- Account Cooling Off: Take a break from gambling for a set period (typically 24 hours to several months)
Always use these tools proactively, and speak to customer support if you need help setting them up.
Support Organisations & Helplines
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available:
New Zealand
- Gambling Harm Assessment and Problem Treatment (GHAPT): Free, confidential counselling for problem gambling. Available nationwide.
- Problem Gambling Foundation: Free phone counselling and support. Phone: 0800 664 262 | Website: www.pgf.nz
International Support (if accessing from other regions)
- United Kingdom: GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk | 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
All support services listed are confidential and free to contact.
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Seeking help for problem gambling is a sign of strength, not weakness. Support is available 24/7, and trained counsellors understand what you're going through.
Don't suffer in silence. Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation on 0800 664 262 or visit www.pgf.nz to access free, confidential support.
Your wellbeing is more important than any bet.