Responsible Gambling at 888 Casino
What safer-gambling tools are for
Pokies and table games are entertainment, not a way to make money. 888 Casino NZ gives every account holder a set of free tools that put you in control of how much time and money you spend playing, so the fun stays the fun.
These tools work quietly in the background of your account. You choose the settings, you can tighten them at any time, and support is on hand if you want to talk something through with a real person rather than a screen.
This page explains each tool in plain language, walks through setting a limit step by step, and points you towards local help if gambling has stopped feeling like entertainment.
Why these tools matter for pokies and live tables
Pokies are fast paced. A single spin can take a few seconds, which means a session can rack up dozens of bets before you have really stopped to think about it. Live dealer tables move at a different rhythm, but the always-on nature of a mobile session means it is just as easy to lose track of time. Safer-gambling tools exist because the format of the games themselves makes it easy to play longer or spend more than you meant to, not because anything is wrong with playing for fun.
Setting a limit before you start a session, rather than after a big win or loss, is the single most effective habit you can build. It takes the decision out of the heat of the moment and puts it back in your hands while you are thinking clearly.
Building a budget before you play
A workable budget is simply an amount you are genuinely happy to lose, treated the same way you would treat the cost of a night out. A few practical habits make this easier to stick to.
- Decide your session budget before you log in, not while you are already playing.
- Use the deposit limit tool to make that budget the hard ceiling on your account rather than relying on willpower alone.
- Leave your card or e-wallet details out of easy reach if top-ups tend to happen impulsively.
- Treat any winnings as a bonus, not as new bankroll to keep playing with.
- Review your spending in account history every so often so your limits reflect reality, not guesswork.
None of this removes the entertainment from pokies or live tables. It simply keeps the entertainment where it belongs, inside a budget you set on purpose.
Self-exclusion and how it works
Self-exclusion lets you lock yourself out of your account when you decide that a break, or a permanent stop, is what you need. It is one of the strongest tools available because once it is active, you cannot reverse it early by simply asking.
Requesting self-exclusion
You request self-exclusion directly through your account settings or by contacting support. You choose the length of the exclusion, and during that period you will not be able to log in, deposit, or receive marketing emails or promotions.
What happens during and after
While self-exclusion is active, any open account features remain switched off and no new account can be opened in your details. Once the period ends, reactivation is not automatic and involves a check-in to confirm you want to return.
Safer-gambling tools available on your account
Every tool below is free, sits inside your account settings, and can be adjusted or tightened at any time. Loosening a limit typically takes longer to come into effect than tightening one, which is by design.
| Tool | What it does | How to switch it on |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit limit | Caps how much you can add to your account in a day, week or month | Set it under account settings before or after you make your first deposit |
| Loss limit | Caps how much you can lose over a chosen period, regardless of how much you deposit | Set it in the same responsible-gambling settings menu |
| Time limit / session limit | Ends your session automatically once you reach the time you set | Choose a daily or session cap in account settings |
| Reality check | Sends an on-screen reminder during play showing how long you have been logged in | Turn on in account settings and pick your reminder interval |
| Cool-off period | Temporarily blocks login and play for a short break without closing your account | Activate from account settings or by asking support |
| Self-exclusion | Blocks login, deposits and marketing for a period you choose | Request through account settings or directly with support |
Setting a limit on your account
Putting a deposit or loss limit in place takes a few minutes and can be done before you ever fund your account. Here is how it works.
- Log in to your account and open the responsible-gambling or account settings section.
- Choose which limit you want to set: deposit, loss, or time.
- Select the period it applies to, daily, weekly or monthly.
- Enter the amount or time cap you are comfortable with. The minimum deposit on the account is NZ$20, so any deposit limit works from that floor upward.
- Confirm the change. A limit reduction applies straight away.
- If you later want to raise or remove a limit, submit the request and allow the standard cooling-off period built into the system before it takes effect.
How limits, verification and withdrawals fit together
Safer-gambling tools sit alongside the account checks every player goes through, and it helps to understand how the two connect. Before your first withdrawal, you will be asked to verify your identity with standard documents such as photo ID and proof of address. This check protects your account and confirms you are old enough to play, and it runs independently of any limit you have set.
Deposit and loss limits apply to money going into your account, while the minimum withdrawal amount of NZ$20 applies to money coming out. Setting a tight deposit limit does not slow down a withdrawal, and requesting a withdrawal does not affect any limit you already have in place. Keeping these processes separate in your head makes it easier to use the tools with confidence rather than worrying they will interfere with cashing out.
Recognising the warning signs of problem gambling
Problem gambling can build up gradually, and it is easier to spot in specific behaviours than in a single big moment. Watch for these patterns in yourself or someone close to you.
- Chasing losses by depositing more than you planned to win it back
- Spending longer sessions playing than you intended, repeatedly
- Borrowing money, using bill money, or hiding spending to keep playing
- Feeling irritable, anxious or low when you try to cut down or stop
- Lying to family or friends about how much time or money is going into pokies
- Neglecting work, study or relationships because of time spent gambling
Noticing even one or two of these signs is a reason to use a limit, take a cool-off, or reach out for support before things escalate.
Supporting a friend or whanau member
If you are worried about someone else's gambling rather than your own, the same tools and helpline apply. Bringing it up calmly, away from a moment of stress, tends to land better than raising it mid-argument. Focus on specific things you have noticed, such as missed payments or withdrawn behaviour, rather than labels. Gambling Helpline NZ also supports family members and friends, not only the person who is gambling, so you do not need to have all the answers yourself before you call.
Where to get help in New Zealand
Support is free, confidential, and available whether you play with us or anywhere else.
- Gambling Helpline NZ: call 0800 654 655, free and confidential, any time.
- Text 8006 if you would rather message than call.
- Use the self-exclusion and limit-setting tools in your account settings as an immediate first step while you seek further support.
Gambling is strictly for players aged 18 and over. If gambling stops being fun, or is affecting your money, wellbeing or relationships, please contact Gambling Helpline NZ on 0800 654 655.
Frequently asked questions
How long does self-exclusion last on my account?
You choose the length when you request it, and it cannot be reversed early once active. The account stays locked for login, deposits and marketing for the full period you selected, giving you a genuine break from play.
Can I lower my deposit limit immediately?
Yes, tightening a deposit, loss or time limit applies straight away once you confirm it in account settings. Raising a limit again involves a cooling-off period, which is designed to stop impulsive changes in the moment.
What is the minimum amount I can set a deposit limit to?
Deposit limits can be set from NZ$20 upward, matching the account's minimum deposit amount. You can choose a daily, weekly or monthly cap depending on how you want to manage your spending.
Is Gambling Helpline NZ free to call?
Yes, calling 0800 654 655 is free and confidential, and it is available at any time of day. You can also text 8006 if speaking on the phone is not comfortable for you right now.
Does a cool-off period close my account permanently?
No, a cool-off is a temporary break that blocks login and play for a short set period without closing your account. It differs from self-exclusion, which is a longer and more formal step you request separately.
Will setting a limit affect a withdrawal I already requested?
No, deposit and loss limits govern money going into your account, while withdrawals follow their own verification process. Changing a limit does not pause or cancel a withdrawal that is already underway.
Can I set more than one type of limit at the same time?
Yes, deposit, loss and time limits work independently, so you can have all three active at once if that suits how you play. Each one can be adjusted separately in the same account settings menu.