Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

At thepickupsband.co.nz, we believe that online casino gaming should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. There is no guaranteed way to win at casino games—the house always has a mathematical advantage. Please gamble only with money you can afford to lose.

Age Verification

Online casino gambling in New Zealand is restricted to individuals aged 18 years and older. All players must verify their age and identity before opening an account. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to gamble online. Parents and guardians should monitor young people's internet usage to prevent underage gambling.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Problem gambling can affect anyone. If you experience any of the following warning signs, it may be time to seek help:

• Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement
• Repeatedly trying to cut back or stop gambling without success
• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover lost money
• Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
• Neglecting work, study, hobbies, or family responsibilities due to gambling
• Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
• Experiencing mood swings or irritability when unable to gamble
• Lying about gambling habits or losses
• Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, or depression
• Feeling anxious or restless when not gambling

If you recognise these signs in yourself or someone else, help is available.

Self-Help Tools & Player Protection Features

Responsible online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control of your gambling:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose
• Session Time Limits: Automatically log out after a set duration
• Reality Checks: Receive notifications during play to remind you of time and money spent
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from casino accounts
• Account Cooling-Off Periods: Take a break from gambling with a mandatory waiting period before reactivating your account

We recommend using these tools as part of responsible gaming practice, regardless of your current gambling habits.

Support & Help Organizations for New Zealand

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, confidential support is available:

New Zealand-Based Resources:

• Problem Gambling Foundation (PGF) — Free and confidential support for problem gambling in New Zealand
  Phone: 0800 664 262 (24/7 free call)
  Website: www.pgf.nz
  Email: contact@pgf.nz
• Gamblers Anonymous New Zealand — Peer support meetings and recovery programmes
  Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
• Samaritans Aotearoa New Zealand — 24/7 emotional support
  Phone: 1300
  Website: www.samaritans.org.nz

International Resources:

• 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

If You Need Help, Please Reach Out

Problem gambling is a treatable condition. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you are concerned about your gambling or that of someone close to you, please contact the Problem Gambling Foundation on 0800 664 262 or visit www.pgf.nz.

Support is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Remember: Your wellbeing comes first. Gambling should never jeopardise your health, relationships, finances, or future.