Responsible Gambling in New Zealand

Responsible Gambling Comes First

Chicken Road can be an entertaining online game, but any gambling-style activity should be approached with care. The result of each round is uncertain, and no strategy can guarantee a win. Responsible gambling means treating play as paid entertainment, not as a way to earn income, solve financial problems, or recover previous losses.

This page explains how New Zealand players can stay in control, recognise early signs of gambling harm, and find confidential support if gambling stops feeling fun.

18+ Only

Gambling is not suitable for minors. If you are under 18, you should not take part in gambling activities or access gambling-related services. Adults should also make sure that children and young people cannot access gambling accounts, payment methods, or devices used for online play.

What Responsible Gambling Means

Responsible gambling is about making clear decisions before you play. It means knowing how much time and money you can afford to spend, accepting that losses are possible, and stopping before gambling affects your wellbeing, relationships, work, study, or finances.

A responsible player:

• sets a fixed budget before playing;
• never gambles with money needed for rent, bills, food, debt, or family expenses;
• treats wins as chance, not proof of skill;
• does not chase losses;
• takes regular breaks;
• avoids gambling when stressed, angry, lonely, tired, or under the influence of alcohol or drugs;
• uses limit-setting and self-exclusion tools when needed.

The safest mindset is simple: only play with money you can afford to lose.

Why Fast Games Need Extra Care

Games like Chicken Road can feel quick and simple. That is part of the appeal, but speed can also make it easier to lose track of time or make emotional decisions. Short rounds may encourage repeated play, especially after a near miss or a loss.

Before you start, decide three things:

1. How much money you are prepared to spend.
2. How long you will play.
3. At what point you will stop, whether you are winning or losing.

Do not change these limits during a session. If you feel the urge to continue because you are “close” to winning, that is a good moment to pause.

Practical Ways to Stay in Control

Set a Budget

Choose a gambling budget that is separate from essential living costs. Once that budget is gone, stop playing. Do not deposit more money to recover losses.

Use Time Limits

Decide how long you will play before opening the game. Set a timer if needed. Long sessions can make it harder to notice risky decisions.

Avoid Chasing Losses

Chasing losses means increasing your stakes or continuing to play because you want to win back money already lost. This is one of the clearest warning signs of unsafe gambling.

Keep Gambling Separate from Emotions

Do not gamble to escape stress, boredom, sadness, conflict, or financial pressure. Gambling should not be used as a coping tool.

Take Breaks

Step away from the screen regularly. A short break can help you notice whether you are still making calm decisions.

Use Gambling Control Tools

Where available, use account tools such as deposit limits, session limits, loss limits, reality checks, cooling-off periods, and self-exclusion. These tools are designed to help players stay in control before harm develops.

Warning Signs of Gambling Harm

Gambling harm can develop gradually. It does not always look dramatic at first. You may need to take a break or seek help if you notice any of the following signs:

• you spend more money or time than planned;
• you hide gambling from family, friends, or your partner;
• you borrow money to gamble;
• you use credit, loans, or essential funds for gambling;
• you feel anxious, guilty, angry, or restless after playing;
• you keep thinking about gambling when doing other things;
• you increase stakes to feel the same excitement;
• you try to win back losses;
• gambling affects sleep, work, study, or relationships;
• people close to you have expressed concern.

If one or more of these signs feels familiar, stopping early is a strong decision, not a failure.

Support for New Zealand Players

If gambling is causing stress for you or someone close to you, free and confidential support is available in New Zealand.

You can contact the Gambling Helpline:

• Call: 0800 654 655
• Text: 8006
• Available: 24/7 in New Zealand

Support is available not only for people who gamble, but also for family, whānau, partners, and friends affected by someone else’s gambling.

Specialist support services may also be available, including Māori, Pasifika, youth, and debt-related gambling support.

Helping Someone Else

If you are worried about someone’s gambling, try to start the conversation calmly. Avoid blame or threats. Focus on what you have noticed and how it is affecting them or the people around them.

You might say:

“I’ve noticed gambling seems to be causing stress lately. I’m not judging you, but I’m worried. Can we talk about it?”

Encourage them to contact a support service, but remember that you can also seek advice for yourself. You do not need to manage the situation alone.

Our Responsible Gambling Approach

chicken-road-game.org.nz supports safer gambling information and does not encourage anyone to gamble beyond their means. Gambling should never be presented as a guaranteed way to make money. Results are uncertain, losses are possible, and players should always prioritise their health, finances, and personal relationships.

We encourage all visitors to:

• play only if they are legally allowed to do so;
• understand the risks before participating;
• use limits and breaks;
• stop immediately if gambling no longer feels safe or enjoyable;
• seek help early if gambling causes stress or harm.

When to Stop Immediately

Stop playing and seek support if you feel unable to control your gambling, if you are using money you cannot afford to lose, or if gambling is affecting your wellbeing. The earlier you act, the easier it can be to regain control.

If you need help now in New Zealand, call 0800 654 655 or text 8006.