1. Adult-Only Casino Access

Entry to the casino floor and participation in any form of gaming at Velmorian Estate House is strictly limited to guests who are 18 years of age or older. This requirement is non-negotiable and applies at all times, regardless of whether gaming machines or table games are in active use.

1.1 Age Verification at the Door

All guests entering the casino area may be asked to produce valid photographic identification before entry is permitted. Acceptable documents include:

• A current New Zealand driver licence or overseas equivalent
• A valid New Zealand or international passport
• A New Zealand Kiwi Access Card or equivalent government-issued photo ID confirming date of birth

Our team members are trained to request identification from any guest who appears to be under 25 years of age. Guests who are unable or unwilling to provide satisfactory proof of age will be respectfully declined entry to the casino area.

1.2 Responsibility Regarding Minors

Accompanying children and young people under 18 are not permitted on the casino floor under any circumstances. Adult guests are reminded that they remain responsible for ensuring that any minors in their care do not access gaming areas or gaming machines located within the property.

If you observe a person who appears to be under 18 in the casino area, please notify a member of staff or our on-duty gaming supervisor immediately.

2. Keeping Play Optional

Gaming at Velmorian Estate House is offered purely as a leisure activity. It is entirely optional and should always remain that way. We encourage guests to approach casino games as a form of entertainment rather than a means of generating income or resolving financial pressures.

2.1 The Nature of Casino Games

All casino games offered on our premises are games of chance. The outcomes are random, and the house retains a mathematical advantage over time. This means that, over the long run, spending more time or money playing does not improve the likelihood of a favourable outcome. Winning is never guaranteed, and any money wagered should be regarded as the cost of the entertainment experience.

2.2 Playing Within Your Means

We encourage every guest to decide in advance how much time and money they are comfortable spending before entering the casino floor. A few simple principles can help keep gaming enjoyable:

• Only play with funds you can genuinely afford to lose.
• Treat any winnings as a bonus rather than expected income.
• Avoid chasing losses — if you have reached your limit, stop for the day.
• Do not borrow money or use credit to fund gaming sessions.
• Keep gaming separate from other financial obligations such as rent, household bills or savings goals.

3. Time and Spending Limits

Setting clear personal limits before you begin playing is one of the most effective ways to keep gaming in its proper place as a leisure pursuit. Velmorian Estate House supports guests in exercising this control throughout their visit.

3.1 Setting a Budget

Before approaching the casino floor, decide on the maximum amount you are prepared to spend. Once that amount is reached, treat the session as complete regardless of the circumstances. Keeping this figure in mind — and sticking to it — is the cornerstone of responsible play.

3.2 Setting a Time Limit

It is easy to lose track of time in a casino environment. We recommend:

• Deciding in advance how long you intend to play and checking the time regularly.
• Using the clock or alarm function on your mobile device as a reminder.
• Taking note of other commitments — family, rest, travel — that define a natural end point to your session.

3.3 Practical Limit Guidelines

3.4 Requesting Assistance with Limits

If you would like support in maintaining personal limits during your stay, our gaming supervisors are available to assist. You may speak with them in confidence at any time on the casino floor or at the main reception desk.

4. Recognising Changes in Your Gambling Behaviour

For most people, gambling remains a controlled leisure activity. However, it is possible for gambling habits to shift over time in ways that are worth noticing. Awareness of these changes is the first step toward addressing them.

4.1 Signs Worth Reflecting On

The following patterns may suggest that gambling has begun to occupy a larger role in your life than you intended. Consider whether any of these feel familiar:

• Spending more time or money on gambling than you originally planned on a regular basis.
• Feeling a strong urge to return and “win back” money that has been lost.
• Finding it difficult to stop or walk away once you have started playing.
• Thinking about gambling frequently when doing other activities.
• Neglecting work, study, family commitments or social activities because of time spent gambling.
• Using money allocated for essential expenses — rent, groceries, bills — to fund gambling.
• Concealing the amount of time or money spent gambling from family members or close friends.
• Feeling restless or irritable when attempting to reduce or stop gambling.
• Relying on others to provide money to continue gambling or to resolve financial difficulties caused by gambling.
• Noticing that gambling is required in larger amounts to achieve the same sense of excitement or engagement.

Recognising any of these patterns in yourself is not a reason for shame. It is useful information that can guide a positive change in approach. Speaking with someone you trust — or making use of the support options described in this page — is always available to you.

4.2 Gambling and Mood

Gambling as a way to manage stress, low mood or difficult personal circumstances can increase the risk of habits becoming harder to control. If you notice that you tend to visit the casino when you are feeling low or are under pressure, it may be worth considering alternative activities and speaking with someone you trust about how you are feeling.

5. Taking Breaks

Regular breaks are a simple and effective way to maintain perspective during a gaming session. Stepping away from the casino floor — even briefly — allows you to reassess how you feel, check how much time and money you have spent, and make a fresh decision about whether to continue.

5.1 During Your Visit

We encourage guests to:

• Step away from machines or tables at regular intervals and take a short walk through the property.
• Use a break to check the time and compare it against your intended session length.
• Use a break to check your remaining funds against your pre-set budget.
• Pause and consider whether you are still playing for enjoyment or whether other feelings are driving the session.

5.2 Ending a Session

There is no obligation to remain on the casino floor for any particular length of time. Leaving at any point — even when a session has not gone as hoped — is always the right choice if you have reached your personal limits or no longer feel comfortable. Our team members will never pressure guests to continue playing.

6. Self-Exclusion at Velmorian Estate House

If you feel that a period away from our casino facilities would benefit you, Velmorian Estate House offers a self-exclusion arrangement. This allows you to formally request that you be refused entry to the casino area for an agreed period.

6.1 How Self-Exclusion Works

Self-exclusion is a voluntary arrangement initiated by you. Once in place, our staff will take reasonable steps to identify you and prevent your entry to the casino floor for the duration agreed. The arrangement is a support measure and is most effective when combined with your own commitment to the exclusion period.

6.2 How to Apply

You can request self-exclusion by:

• Speaking directly with our gaming supervisor or duty manager on the property.
• Sending a written request to our team by email at info@velmorianestatehouse.com, clearly stating your full name, date of birth and the exclusion period you are requesting.

6.3 Exclusion Periods

6.4 During Your Exclusion Period

While a self-exclusion is active, we ask that you:

• Do not attempt to enter the casino area.
• Contact us if your circumstances change significantly and you wish to discuss your arrangement.
• Make use of the support resources described in this page during the period.

Please note that self-exclusion applies to the casino facilities of Velmorian Estate House only. It does not extend to other gaming venues in New Zealand. If you would like exclusion from a broader range of venues, we encourage you to speak with local support services or your local authority for guidance on the options available to you.

6.5 Third-Party Exclusion Requests

In certain circumstances, a close family member or person acting in a genuine welfare capacity may approach us regarding a concern about another individual. While we are unable to apply a formal self-exclusion on behalf of a third party without that person’s consent, we encourage anyone in this situation to contact us at info@velmorianestatehouse.com so that we can discuss the appropriate steps and support pathways available.

7. Involving Trusted Contacts

Talking openly with someone you trust — a family member, partner or close friend — can be one of the most constructive steps you take if you are concerned about your gambling habits. People who are close to you often notice changes in behaviour before you do, and their perspective can be genuinely valuable.

7.1 Talking to Family and Friends

If you decide to speak with someone close to you:

• Choose a calm, private setting without distractions.
• Be honest about the extent of your gambling activity, including time and money spent.
• Share this page with them so they understand the support options available.
• Ask for their practical support in keeping to agreed limits — for example, by checking in with you after planned gaming sessions.

7.2 If You Are Supporting Someone Else

If someone close to you is showing signs that their gambling may be causing concern, approaching the conversation with care and without judgement is likely to be more effective than confrontation. Consider:

• Choosing a time when the person is calm and receptive.
• Focusing on specific behaviours you have observed rather than making general accusations.
• Expressing concern from a place of care rather than anger or frustration.
• Encouraging the person to explore the support resources available, without pressuring them.
• Seeking guidance for yourself as well — supporting someone through a difficult period can be demanding, and your own wellbeing matters too.

7.3 Contacting Our Team on Behalf of a Guest

If you are a family member or close contact with concerns about a guest at Velmorian Estate House, you are welcome to contact our team confidentially at info@velmorianestatehouse.com. We will respond with care and direct you toward the options available to us and to you.

8. Local Responsible Gaming Support

New Zealand has a network of community and government resources dedicated to supporting people affected by gambling-related concerns. These services are confidential, non-judgemental and available to anyone — whether they are concerned about their own gambling or the gambling of someone close to them.

8.1 Seeking Local Support

If you would like to access support beyond what Velmorian Estate House can provide directly, we encourage you to:

• Contact your local council or community support service, which can direct you to gambling harm reduction programmes operating in the Waikato region and throughout New Zealand.
• Speak with your general practitioner or a community wellbeing advisor, who can refer you to appropriate local services without judgement.
• Reach out to a community-based counselling or family support service in your area, many of which offer free or low-cost assistance to individuals and families affected by gambling-related concerns.
• Contact a citizens advice service, which can provide information on your rights and on the support services available to you in New Zealand.

8.2 Government Guidance

The regulation of gambling in New Zealand is a matter of public law, and government authorities publish freely accessible guidance on responsible gambling, harm reduction and the rights of individuals. Relevant published guidance is publicly available through official New Zealand government channels and may cover topics including:

• Understanding how gambling harm is defined and measured.
• Your rights as a gaming venue patron.
• The obligations that licensed venues carry under New Zealand law.
• Pathways to exclusion from multiple gaming venues.
• Financial and legal options if gambling has caused significant hardship.

Our team can assist you in identifying the appropriate government contact if you are unsure where to direct an enquiry. Please reach us at info@velmorianestatehouse.com.

8.3 Confidentiality of Support Enquiries

Any enquiry you make to Velmorian Estate House regarding responsible gambling — whether about self-exclusion, limit-setting or referral to external support — is handled with full confidentiality. Your personal information will be used only for the purpose of responding to your request and administering any agreed arrangement, in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

9. Our Team’s Commitment to You

Every member of the Velmorian Estate House team involved in the delivery of gaming services is trained to recognise the signs of potential gambling-related concern and to respond with sensitivity and respect. Our gaming supervisors operate under a clear duty of care toward all guests on the casino floor.

9.1 How Our Team Can Help During Your Visit

• Provide information about responsible gambling practices on request at any time.
• Discuss self-exclusion options discreetly and without judgement.
• Direct guests to external support resources appropriate to their situation.
• Facilitate a respectful conversation if a concern is raised by a guest about themselves or another person.
• Decline gaming access to any person who they have reason to believe is subject to a self-exclusion arrangement or does not meet the minimum age requirement.

9.2 Raising a Concern

If at any point during your visit you wish to speak with a member of our team privately regarding a responsible gambling matter, please approach the on-duty gaming supervisor or any member of our reception team. All such conversations are treated in strict confidence.

You may also contact us after your visit by emailing info@velmorianestatehouse.com. We will acknowledge all responsible gambling enquiries within one business day.

10. Updates to This Page

reviews and updates this Responsible Gambling page periodically to ensure that it remains accurate, relevant and consistent with our obligations and values. The most current version of this page is always the version published at velmorianestatehouse.com/responsible-gambling.

If you have a question about the content of this page or would like clarification on any of the matters covered, please contact us at info@velmorianestatehouse.com.