Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Financial Strategy
Online pokies should be enjoyed as entertainment only. They are games of chance with odds that always favour the house. Never gamble money you cannot afford to lose, and never view gaming as a way to earn income or solve financial problems. If you find yourself gambling to recover losses or escape difficulties, please reach out for support.
Age Verification
Online pokies in New Zealand are restricted to individuals aged 18 years and over. It is your responsibility to ensure you meet this legal requirement before participating. If you are under 18, please do not access gaming services.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following behaviours in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate problem gambling:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about time and money spent
- Neglecting family, work, or personal responsibilities due to gaming
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Jeopardising relationships, employment, or education because of gambling
Self-Help Tools & Player Protection Features
Most responsible online gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period
- Loss Limits: Cap the amount you can lose during a session or time period
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Session Limits: Set automatic time limits for your gaming sessions
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming platforms
- Cool-Off Periods: Take a break from gaming for a set duration
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gaming.
Support & Help Resources for New Zealand
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, confidential support is available:
New Zealand Resources
- Problem Gambling Foundation — Free counselling and support services for New Zealanders
Phone: 0800 664 262 (free call) | Website: www.pgf.nz - Gamblers Anonymous Aotearoa New Zealand — Peer support and recovery meetings
Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz - 1737 Suicidal Ideation Counselling Service — If you're in crisis
Phone: 1737 (free call/text, available 24/7)
International Resources
- UK: GamCare — www.gamcare.org.uk
- UK: GamStop (National Self-Exclusion Scheme) — www.gamstop.co.uk
- Australia: Gambling Help Online — www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council — www.responsiblegambling.org
- USA: National Council on Problem Gambling — www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help
Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you feel your gambling is becoming problematic, please reach out to one of the support services listed above. They provide confidential, non-judgmental assistance and are equipped to help you regain control.
Remember: help is available, and recovery is possible. Don't wait until the problem worsens—contact a support organisation today.