Self-Exclusion for Problem Gamblers in New Zealand

Under the New Zealand Gambling Act 2003, if a punter identifies themselves as a problem gambler to a casino operator, the bookmaker must immediately issue an exclusion order for that person in question. Self-exclusion can be an effective way of stopping problem gambling behaviour. 

In New Zealand, self-exclusion works extremely well as they have the option of Multiple Venue Exclusion in which the player can exclude themselves from multiple offline casino venues without visiting them individually.

Types of Exclusion Orders

There are two kinds of exclusion orders for problem gamblers. They are:

Self-exclusion Order: 

Under The Gambling Act section 310, gamblers who believe that they are facing compulsive gambling or problem gambling behaviour have the option to self-exclude themselves from one or multiple venues.

Venue Initiated Exclusion Order: 

Under the Gambling Act section 309 and 309A, an individual has the chance to allow gambling providers to assist in the exclusion process. You can self-exclude by choosing any NZ-based online casino if you are unable to limit the time spent on the site yourself. 

As per the Exclusion Order, if you are excluded from gambling services and still visit a venue, it is an act of offence and both the punter and the venue operator are fined. Thus, it is normal that if the venue staff sees an excluded player in the venue, they will have to immediately remove you from the site.

Who Can Issue Exclusion Order

Only the following individuals have the authority to issue exclusion orders:

An operator of a class 4 casino venue.

Someone who has the license of a casino operator.

A counselor acting on behalf of the problem gambler.

The exclusion order must be first initiated with the consent of the particular person facing difficulties such as compulsive gambling.

How Can A Punter Request For Self-exclusion?

A punter can request to be excluded from one or many venues in any of the following methods:

The person can visit the venue, identify themselves as facing compulsive gambling, and request an exclusion order.

You can also write or telephone the casino venue and request the manager to issue an exclusion order.

The person can also request an MVE which enables one to exclude themselves from multiple venues. This process involves a number of intermediaries such as the clinical counsellor, the local MVE administrator, and the one at the national level.

Information regarding Exclusion Orders

Under Section 309 of the New Zealand Gambling Act, once the person has been considered a problem gambler and the method of self-exclusion is recognized as the suitable form of intervention, the venue operator issues the exclusion by providing the punter advice about how to approach compulsive gambling habits.

The venue manager or the staff needs to inform the problem gamblers about:

The traits of problem gambling.

Potential risks while facing compulsive gambling habits.

Ways to contact problem gambling counselors.

Time Period For Exclusion Orders

Exclusion orders can be stretched up to a period of two years. There is no specific determined period for which this order can be set but once issued, the time period cannot be shortened by either the client or the one acting on behalf of the client.

There are policies that say that the exclusion order can be issued for a max period of two years whereas the minimum duration is three, sic, or twelve months in total. When the Exclusion order expires, the patron can ask for another exclusion order. The option to re-issue the order is always available to the venue manager.

Typically, an exclusion order has the following entries in it:

Date

The name and address of the chosen venue or venues.

The name and status of the punter getting excluded.

A photo of the self-excluded person.

The self-exclusion order under section 310.

The expiry date.

Conclusion

New Zealand has taken its first steps when it comes to gambling-related laws and regulations. Therefore, if you are a problem gambler, you can put your full faith in the New Zealand administration to take care of your difficulties. In order to self-exclude yourself, you must know the basic ropes of the process which will guide you to proactively participate and trust in the process and its result. 

You should definitely try out MVE which is an intervention tool specifically designed for people recognized as problem gamblers and have a habit of frequenting various casinos and playing in them compulsively. New Zealand even has a Problem Gambling Foundation PGF which is the single largest treatment provider for compulsive gambling symptoms in New Zealand. 

But, many people still request self-exclusion instead of seeking professional help. As a matter of fact, voluntary self-exclusion works miracles for individuals having problem gambling symptoms. This is more effective because of the strict laws involving exclusion orders which will most definitely lead to penalties if you don’t abide by them.