1. Overview
Christchurch Casino, operated by Christchurch Casinos Limited, maintains a formal Host Responsibility Programme as a condition of its casino operator’s licence under New Zealand’s gambling regulatory framework. This document sets out the responsible gaming obligations, player protection tools, and harm minimisation procedures that apply to patrons and staff at Christchurch Casino.
The Host Responsibility Programme applies to on-premises conduct at the Christchurch venue and to online account management tools available through the casino’s official online environment. Christchurch Casino recognises a regulatory and operational role in preventing and minimising gambling-related and alcohol-related harm, and this policy records the measures in place to fulfil that role.
2. Scope of the Host Responsibility Programme
The Host Responsibility Programme (HRP) developed by Christchurch Casinos Limited addresses the following areas:
- Minimum age requirements and age verification procedures
- Monitoring of patron behaviour and identification of at-risk individuals
- Staff obligations and restrictions on employee gambling
- Restrictions on access to online gambling sites on casino premises
- Procedures for reporting suspicious or unusual transactions to relevant regulatory agencies
- Responsible service of alcohol
- Harm minimisation strategies and intervention procedures
The HRP applies to all staff, contractors, and patrons at Christchurch Casino. Compliance with the programme is directly tied to the conditions of the casino operator’s licence.
3. Age Requirements and Access
3.1 Venue Access
Persons under 20 years of age are denied entry to the Christchurch Casino venue. This restriction is enforced as part of the age verification obligations under the licence conditions.
3.2 Online Account Creation
To create an online account with Christchurch Casino, a person must be at least 18 years of age. Age verification is conducted as part of the account registration process. Christchurch Casino reserves the right to request documentation to confirm a user’s age at any time.
4. Player Protection Tools
Christchurch Casino provides the following tools to assist players in managing their gambling behaviour. These tools are available through the online account environment.
4.1 Deposit Limits
Players may set deposit limits on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. A deposit limit defines the maximum amount a player may deposit into an account within the chosen period. Once a limit is set, it takes effect in accordance with the casino’s processing procedures. Requests to increase a deposit limit are subject to a cooling-off period before any increase is applied.
4.2 Session Time Reminders
Players may activate session-based time reminders. When a reminder is triggered during a gaming session, the player is prompted to decide whether to continue playing or take a break. Time reminders must be reset after each log-out and do not carry over automatically between sessions.
4.3 Time-Outs
A time-out allows a player to temporarily block access to an account for a defined short period. During a time-out, the player cannot log in or engage in any gambling activity through that account. Time-outs are intended for short-term breaks and are distinct from self-exclusion.
4.4 Self-Exclusion
Players may apply for self-exclusion, which prevents access to an account for a period of their choosing. Self-exclusion periods are available from a minimum of 6 months up to 5 years, or on an indefinite basis.
During a self-exclusion period, Christchurch Casino will take all reasonable steps to prevent the self-excluded player from opening a new account. Players who have self-excluded are not permitted to attempt to circumvent this restriction by registering under a different identity or contact detail.
4.5 Account History
Players have access to full account history, including records of all deposits and withdrawals. This tool is provided to assist players in monitoring their spending and maintaining awareness of gambling activity over time.
5. Responsible Gambling Guidance
Christchurch Casino provides the following guidance to players as part of its responsible gambling obligations:
- Set limits on deposits and total spending before commencing play
- Decide on a time limit for each session and adhere to it
- Take regular breaks during play
- Review account history regularly to monitor actual spending
- Do not gamble with funds that cannot be afforded to be lost
- Do not attempt to recover losses by continuing to play, as this can result in greater financial harm
- Learn and understand the rules of any game before participating
- Contact customer support or an external problem gambling service if gambling is no longer enjoyable or is causing concern
These guidelines do not constitute a guarantee of outcomes. Responsibility for adherence to these practices rests with the individual player.
6. Staff Obligations and Internal Controls
6.1 Employee Gambling Restrictions
Employees of Christchurch Casino are prohibited from gambling at Christchurch Casino and at Dunedin Casino. This restriction applies during and outside working hours and is a condition of employment as well as a requirement under the Host Responsibility Programme.
6.2 Restrictions on Online Gambling Access
Employees are prohibited from accessing online gambling sites while on Christchurch Casino premises, except where access is required for legitimate work-related purposes. This restriction is in place to maintain the integrity of the responsible gaming environment.
6.3 Gaming Machine Supervision
Christchurch Casino takes all reasonable and practicable steps to ensure that customers play no more than one gaming machine at a time. Staff are trained to monitor the gaming floor and to intervene where this condition is not being observed.
6.4 Monitoring and Intervention
Staff are trained to identify patrons who may be experiencing gambling-related harm. Where such indicators are observed, staff are required to follow intervention procedures, which may include approaching the patron, providing information about support services, or escalating the matter in accordance with internal protocols.
7. Reporting Obligations
Christchurch Casino is required to report suspicious or unusual transactions to relevant regulatory agencies where appropriate. This obligation exists under the casino’s licence conditions and applicable New Zealand law. Players should be aware that transaction monitoring is conducted as part of the casino’s compliance obligations.
8. Problem Gambling Support
Players who are concerned about their gambling, or who are concerned about the gambling of another person, are encouraged to seek assistance. Christchurch Casino provides access to information about external problem gambling support services. Players may contact the casino’s customer support team to request this information or to discuss the responsible gaming tools available to them.
External support is available through New Zealand’s national problem gambling helpline and related services. Christchurch Casino does not provide clinical or counselling services directly but will direct individuals to appropriate external resources upon request.
9. Amendments to This Policy
Christchurch Casino reserves the right to amend this Responsible Gaming Policy and the Host Responsibility Programme at any time, in accordance with changes to licence conditions, regulatory requirements, or internal review processes. Material changes will be reflected in the updated version of this document published on the official Christchurch Casino website.