Understanding Your Relationship with Gaming
Most people play casino games without problems. They set an amount they're comfortable losing, treat it like paying for a cinema ticket or a meal out, and stop when that's gone. But gambling affects everyone differently, and sometimes patterns develop that are hard to spot from the inside.
You might want to pause and reflect if you notice yourself:
- Spending more time or money than you initially planned, repeatedly
- Chasing losses by depositing again to "win back" what you've lost
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when you're not playing
- Borrowing money or using funds meant for bills to gamble
- Lying to friends or family about how much you're playing
- Using gaming to escape from stress, depression, or other problems
- Neglecting work, relationships, or hobbies because of gambling
These signs don't mean you're a bad person. They mean your brain's reward system might be getting tangled up with gambling in ways that need addressing.
Tools You Can Use Right Now
We've built several controls into your Boho Casino account that work immediately once you activate them:
Deposit Limits
Set a maximum amount you can deposit over a day, week, or month. Once you hit that limit, you won't be able to add more funds until the period resets. You can lower these limits instantly, but increases take 24 hours to prevent impulsive decisions.
Loss Limits
This tracks your net losses over your chosen timeframe. If you reach the limit, you can still play with any remaining balance, but you can't deposit more money during that period.
Session Time Reminders
Get notifications after you've been playing for a set duration. It's easy to lose track of time when you're focused on a game, and these reminders help you check back in with reality.
Reality Checks
These pop-ups show you exactly how long you've been playing and how much you've won or lost during the current session. The information helps you make informed decisions about whether to continue.
Take a Break
Lock your account temporarily for 24 hours, 7 days, or 30 days. During this cooling-off period, you won't be able to log in, deposit, or play. No exceptions.
Self-Exclusion
This is the strongest option. Close your account for a minimum of six months. During exclusion, we'll block access to your account, stop all marketing communications, and refuse any attempts to reopen before the exclusion period ends.
Support Services in New Zealand
Professional help exists specifically for gambling problems, and reaching out doesn't require you to be in crisis. Early conversations often prevent situations from getting worse.
| Service | Contact | What They Offer |
| Gambling Helpline | 0800 654 655 (free, available 24/7) | Confidential phone support, assessment, referrals to counselling |
| Problem Gambling Foundation | www.pgf.nz | Free face-to-face counselling, family support, online chat |
| Lifeline Aotearoa | 0800 543 354 | Crisis support, mental health resources |
| Healthline | 0800 611 116 | Health information, referrals to local services |
These organisations employ trained counsellors who understand gambling behaviour. They won't judge you. Many people who contact them find relief just from talking to someone who gets it.
What Happens When You Seek Help
Calling a helpline usually starts with a conversation about what's been happening and how it's affecting you. The counsellor will listen, ask questions to understand your situation, and discuss options. This might include:
- Strategies for managing triggers and urges
- Connecting you with ongoing counselling (in person or remote)
- Financial counselling if gambling has created money problems
- Support for family members who are also affected
- Information about self-exclusion programs
Treatment isn't one-size-fits-all. Some people benefit from a few counselling sessions. Others need longer-term support or programs that address underlying mental health conditions like depression or anxiety that fuel gambling behaviour.
Protecting Minors
Anyone under 18 cannot legally gamble in New Zealand and cannot create an account at Boho Casino. We verify ages during registration and block underage access. If you share a device with younger household members, use the parental control software built into most operating systems or install third-party filters to block gambling sites. Keep your account credentials private and log out when you're finished playing.
How to Set Limits on Your Account
Log into your Boho Casino account and navigate to the Responsible Gaming section under account settings. You'll see options for each type of limit. Select the one you want to activate, enter your chosen amount or timeframe, and confirm. Changes to deposit and loss limits that make them more restrictive apply immediately. If you want to increase or remove a limit, there's a mandatory 24-hour waiting period.
If you need help setting up these controls or have questions about how they work, contact our support team through live chat or email. We're here to assist with the technical side of implementing these tools.
Staying Balanced
Healthy gaming habits develop when you treat gambling as just one activity among many, not your primary source of excitement or income. Keep these principles in mind:
- Only gamble with money you've genuinely set aside for entertainment
- Set time and money limits before you start playing, not during
- Never chase losses by trying to win back what you've lost
- Take regular breaks during gaming sessions
- Don't gamble when you're upset, stressed, or under the influence
- Maintain other hobbies and social connections outside of gaming
If someone close to you has expressed concern about your gambling, listen to them. People on the outside often notice changes before we recognise them ourselves.
Financial Counselling Resources
Problem gambling and financial stress often go hand in hand. If gambling has created debt or money management issues, these New Zealand services provide free, confidential advice:
- FinCap: A network of financial mentors across New Zealand offering budgeting advice and debt management strategies (fincap.org.nz)
- MoneyTalks: Free financial helpline at 0800 345 123, offering guidance on managing debt and creating realistic budgets
- Citizens Advice Bureau: Free community service providing information about financial options and rights
Financial counsellors help you create plans to address debt without judgment about how you got there. They focus on practical solutions.
Questions Players Ask
Can I reopen my account during a self-exclusion period?
No. Self-exclusion is binding for the entire period you selected, with a minimum of six months. This protection exists specifically to prevent impulsive decisions during difficult moments. When the period ends, you can contact us to discuss reactivation, but we'll have a conversation about safer gaming practices first.
Will setting limits affect my ability to withdraw winnings?
Not at all. Deposit, loss, and time limits only restrict how much you can add to your account or how long you can play. You can always withdraw your available balance, regardless of any limits you've set.
What if I create another account to get around my limits?
Don't. Multiple accounts violate our terms of service and circumventing responsible gaming tools puts you at risk. If we detect duplicate accounts, we'll close them and potentially forfeit any balances. More importantly, avoiding the limits you set for yourself is a warning sign that gambling might be becoming problematic.
Are my conversations with support services confidential?
Yes. Gambling helplines and counselling services in New Zealand operate under strict privacy rules. They won't share information about you without your permission, except in rare circumstances where there's risk of serious harm.
How do I talk to family about a gambling problem?
This conversation is difficult, but hiding problems usually makes them worse. Choose a calm moment, explain honestly what's been happening, and share what steps you're taking to address it. Many support services offer family counselling sessions to help everyone navigate the situation together. Your loved ones will likely feel relieved that you've opened up, even if they're initially upset.
Does problem gambling mean I'm addicted?
Problem gambling exists on a spectrum. Some people experience mild issues that improve with awareness and simple limit-setting. Others develop more severe patterns that meet clinical criteria for gambling disorder. The terminology matters less than recognising when gambling is causing harm and taking action to address it. Professional counsellors can help you understand where you sit on that spectrum and what interventions might help.
Our Commitment
Boho Casino operates under strict licensing requirements that mandate responsible gaming protections. We train our staff to recognise concerning patterns and intervene when appropriate. We don't send promotional materials to self-excluded players. We take age verification seriously. And we continuously review our practices to identify where we can better support player wellbeing.
But ultimately, we're one part of a larger ecosystem. Your wellbeing depends on honest self-assessment, using available tools, and reaching out when you need support beyond what account controls can provide. Gaming should remain entertainment. When it stops feeling that way, resources exist to help you find balance again.
If you have questions about any of the information on this page or need assistance implementing responsible gaming tools, contact our support team any time.