Responsible Gambling

At Hello Taranaki, we believe that sports betting should be an enjoyable and entertaining activity. It should never be seen as a way to make money or solve financial problems. If gambling stops being fun, it is time to stop. This page provides information and resources to help you stay in control.

Stay in Control

Here are some practical tips to help you gamble responsibly:

• Set a budget: Decide how much you can afford to lose before you start, and stick to it. Never bet money you cannot afford to lose.
• Set a time limit: It is easy to lose track of time when betting. Set a timer or schedule breaks to keep yourself in check.
• Do not chase losses: If you are on a losing streak, walk away. Trying to win back lost money almost always leads to bigger losses.
• Do not bet under the influence: Alcohol and drugs impair your judgement. Avoid placing bets when you are not thinking clearly.
• Keep it fun: Gambling should be entertainment, not a source of stress. If it stops being enjoyable, take a break.
• Use deposit limits: Most reputable betting sites offer tools to set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits. Use them.
• Balance your life: Make sure gambling does not take time away from family, friends, work, or other activities you enjoy.

Warning Signs

Problem gambling can develop gradually and may be difficult to recognise. You may have a gambling problem if:

• You spend more time or money on gambling than you intended
• You feel restless or irritable when trying to cut down or stop gambling
• You have tried to stop gambling but have been unable to
• You gamble to escape problems or relieve feelings of anxiety, depression, or helplessness
• You chase losses by continuing to gamble after losing money
• You lie to family members, friends, or others about how much you gamble
• You have borrowed money, sold possessions, or committed illegal acts to finance gambling
• You have jeopardised or lost a significant relationship, job, or educational opportunity because of gambling
• You rely on others to provide money to relieve a desperate financial situation caused by gambling

If any of these apply to you, we strongly encourage you to seek help. You are not alone, and support is available.

Self-Exclusion

Self-exclusion is a voluntary process that allows you to ban yourself from gambling services for a set period. Most reputable online betting sites offer self-exclusion tools directly in your account settings. If you feel you need to take a break, consider the following options:

• Site-level self-exclusion: Contact the customer support team of any betting site you use and request self-exclusion. They are legally required to help you.
• Multi-operator exclusion: Some services allow you to self-exclude from multiple betting sites at once.
• Blocking software: Consider using website-blocking tools such as Gamban or BetBlocker to restrict access to gambling sites on your devices.

Get Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, the following organisations offer free, confidential support:

Remember: there is no shame in asking for help. These services are free, confidential, and staffed by people who understand what you are going through.