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. While playing can be fun, it's important to understand that the house always has an edge, and you should never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose.
Remember: Set a budget you're comfortable losing before you play, and stick to it.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling and play pokies. Online casinos and gaming sites have a legal responsibility to verify your age before allowing you to play.
If you are under 18, please do not attempt to gamble. Underage gambling can have serious negative consequences for your development and wellbeing.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money lost
- Lying to friends, family, or others about how much time or money you spend gambling
- Gambling with money needed for essentials like rent, food, or bills
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to reduce or stop gambling
- Repeatedly failing in attempts to control or stop gambling
- Using gambling as an escape from problems or to cope with negative emotions
- Borrowing money or going into debt to gamble
- Neglecting work, school, family, or social activities due to gambling
- Needing to gamble larger amounts to get the same level of excitement
- Spending significantly more time gambling than intended
If any of these sound familiar, it's time to seek help.
Self-Help Tools & Player Protections
Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control over your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a given period
- Betting Limits: Restrict the maximum bet size per spin or game
- Reality Checks: Receive regular pop-up reminders showing how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Time-Out/Cool-Off Periods: Temporarily suspend your account for a set period (days or weeks)
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently close your account if you feel you cannot control your gambling
Use these tools proactively to manage your gaming responsibly.
Support & Help Organizations
If you're struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available. Here are organisations in New Zealand and internationally that can assist:
New Zealand Support
- Gambling Helpline (Aotearoa New Zealand): 0800 654 655 (Free, confidential, 24/7)
www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz - Problem Gambling Foundation (Aotearoa): Provides support and counselling
www.pgf.nz
International Support (if accessing from these jurisdictions)
- Australia - Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- United Kingdom - GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
- United Kingdom - GamStop (Self-Exclusion): www.gamstop.co.uk
- Canada - Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States - National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org
- Germany - Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung: Information on responsible gaming and support resources
All of these organisations offer confidential support, counselling, and practical advice at no cost.
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is a serious issue, but it is treatable. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please don't wait—contact the Gambling Helpline Aotearoa on 0800 654 655 or visit www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz.
Support is available 24/7, and all conversations are confidential. Taking the first step to ask for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Gamble responsibly. Play for fun, not to win.