Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The odds are always in favour of the casino, and there is no guaranteed way to win. Please gamble responsibly and within your means.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble legally in New Zealand. If you are under the legal gambling age, please do not participate in online gaming. Parents and guardians are encouraged to monitor their children's online activities.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you experience any of the following, you may have a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activities from friends, family, or loved ones
- Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
- Feeling anxious or irritable when trying to reduce or stop gambling
- Spending increasing amounts of time and money on gambling
- Neglecting work, study, or personal relationships due to gambling
- Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
- Lying about the extent of your gambling
- Experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm related to gambling losses
If any of these warning signs apply to you, please reach out for support immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Options
Many online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to spend per day, week, or month
- Loss Limits: Establish a ceiling on how much you're prepared to lose
- Reality Checks: Request notifications during gaming sessions to remind you how long you've been playing
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gambling sites
- Time-Out Periods: Take a break from gambling for a set period
- Session Timers: Set reminders for how long you've been playing
Use these tools proactively to maintain healthy gaming habits.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, the following organizations provide free, confidential support:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline (NZ): www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz — Phone: 0800 654 655 (free, 24/7)
- Problem Gambling Foundation (NZ): www.pgf.nz — Support and resources for problem gambling
International Resources
- GamCare (UK): www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (UK): www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (US): www.ncpgambling.org
Need Help? Take Action Today
Problem gambling is a serious issue, but recovery is possible. If you believe you have a gambling problem, please:
- Contact the Gambling Helpline (NZ) at 0800 654 655 — it's free and confidential
- Visit www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz for online support
- Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor
- Use self-exclusion tools on gaming platforms immediately
You are not alone. Help is available, and recovery is within reach.