Player Protection and Harm Prevention
New Zealand regulatory philosophy treats gambling harm as a serious public health issue rather than a private consumer matter. The Gambling Act 2003 embeds mandatory harm prevention obligations across every sector of the industry.
The Public Health Approach
Under Section 317 of the Act, the Crown must maintain a continuous, fully funded National Strategy to Prevent and Minimise Gambling Harm. Financed entirely by the Problem Gambling Levy paid by gambling operators, this strategy integrates early detection, community counselling, venue exclusions, and strict advertising standards.
- Mandatory Venue Interventions: Staff at casinos and Class 4 venues must intervene when patrons display observable signs of distress, extended continuous play, or repeated ATM withdrawals.
- Multi-Venue Self-Exclusion: A centralised statutory process enabling individuals to ban themselves from gaming venues across whole suburbs or districts in a single application.
- Age Threshold Segregation: Strict 20-year age limit for casinos and 18-year limit for pub pokies and sports betting.
Age limits, venue duties and support
Find age limits, venue responsibilities, exclusion options and support services.
- Age Restrictions & Verification: 20-year casino limit, 18-year betting rules, and valid proof of age standards.
- Responsible Gambling Codes: Host responsibility rules, player session tracking, and early intervention duties.
- Self-Exclusion Systems: Section 310 orders, Multi-Venue Exclusion (MVE), and facial recognition implementation.
- Problem Gambling Support: 24/7 free national support networks, counselling services, and community resources.
