What "Staying in Control" Actually Means
Responsible gaming isn't a slogan. It's about knowing what you're doing with your time and money, and having the ability to make honest decisions about both. That means understanding your own habits — how long you're playing, how much you're spending, and whether gambling is starting to take priority over things that matter more.
Most people who gamble never develop a problem. But circumstances change. Stress, financial pressure, or personal difficulties can shift how someone relates to gambling. Being aware of this is the first step to keeping things manageable.
Signs That Something Might Be Off
It's not always obvious when gambling shifts from recreation to something harder to control. Some things worth paying attention to:
- You're spending more money than you planned and chasing losses to try to recover them
- Gambling is taking up time you originally set aside for other things
- You feel anxious, irritable, or restless when you're not playing
- You've started hiding how much time or money you spend from people around you
- Gambling has affected your sleep, work, or relationships
- You borrow money or use funds meant for bills or essentials
If more than one of these sounds familiar, it's worth taking a closer look at your habits — and using the tools available to you.
What Boho Casino Offers to Help
We've built several account-level tools that you can activate at any time through your profile. These aren't buried in settings — they're meant to be used.
| Tool | What It Does | How to Activate |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit Limits | Caps how much you can deposit daily, weekly, or monthly | Account settings → Responsible Gaming |
| Session Time Reminders | Sends a notification after you've been playing for a set duration | Account settings → Session Controls |
| Loss Limits | Stops play automatically when you've reached a loss threshold you've defined | Account settings → Responsible Gaming |
| Cool-Off Period | Temporarily suspends your account for 24 hours up to 6 weeks | Contact support or account settings |
| Self-Exclusion | Closes your account for a minimum of 6 months | Contact support directly |
Deposit limit increases have a mandatory 7-day cooling period before they take effect. Decreases apply immediately. Self-exclusion, once activated, cannot be reversed for the duration you've selected.
Self-Exclusion: How It Works in Practice
If you want to take a proper break from gambling — not just a few days, but something more serious — self-exclusion is the right tool. Once you request it through Boho Casino's support team, your account will be suspended and you'll be removed from promotional communications. We also strongly recommend registering with New Zealand's national self-exclusion register so the restriction carries across multiple operators.
During a self-exclusion period:
- You won't be able to log in or access your account
- Your funds remain safe and can be withdrawn
- You will not receive marketing emails or bonus offers
- The exclusion cannot be lifted early by contacting support
Support Organisations in New Zealand
Sometimes the most useful step isn't a setting in your account — it's talking to someone who understands what you're going through. These organisations operate in New Zealand and offer free, confidential support:
- Problem Gambling Foundation NZ — Helpline: 0800 664 262 (available 24/7). Offers counselling, financial guidance, and support for family members.
- Gambling Helpline NZ — 0800 654 655. Phone and text support, plus referrals to local services.
- Lifeline Aotearoa — 0800 543 354. General crisis support that includes gambling-related distress.
- 1737 (Need to Talk?) — Free call or text anytime to speak with a trained counsellor.
If someone in your household is affected by your gambling, these services support them too — not just the person with the gambling habit.
A Practical Self-Check
Before each session, it's worth asking yourself a few simple questions. It sounds basic, but it actually helps:
- Have I decided in advance how much I'm willing to spend today?
- Am I playing because I want to, or because I feel like I have to?
- If I lose what I've budgeted, will I stop — or will I keep going?
- Is there something else I'd rather be doing right now?
Honest answers to these questions are more useful than any policy statement. If something feels off, trust that feeling.
Keeping Minors Away from Gambling
Boho Casino does not permit anyone under 18 to register or play. Age verification is required before any withdrawals are processed. If you share a device with younger people at home, we recommend using parental control software to block access to gambling websites. Tools like Net Nanny or Bark can help restrict access at the device or network level.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I set limits before I start depositing?
Yes. You can configure deposit and loss limits during account setup or at any point afterward through your account settings. There's no requirement to have made a deposit first.
What happens to my balance if I self-exclude?
Your funds are secure. You can request a withdrawal of your remaining balance even after activating self-exclusion. Contact our support team to process this.
How long does a cool-off period last?
You choose the duration when you request it — anywhere from 24 hours to six weeks. During this time, your account is inactive but not permanently closed.
Will Boho Casino share my self-exclusion with other casinos?
Boho Casino's self-exclusion applies only to this platform. To extend the exclusion across multiple NZ gambling sites, you'll need to register separately with the Problem Gambling Foundation or use a multi-operator exclusion scheme where available.
What if I feel like I'm losing control but I'm not sure?
That uncertainty is itself worth paying attention to. You don't need to be in crisis to use a cool-off period or call the helpline. These resources exist for people who are questioning their habits, not just those in serious trouble.