Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies and casino games should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. Gambling is not a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical edge, and you should only ever gamble with money you can afford to lose.
Play for fun, set limits, and stick to them. If gaming stops being enjoyable, it's time to seek help.
Age Verification
Online gambling in New Zealand is strictly regulated. You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in any form of online gaming or pokies.
If you are under 18, or if you are unsure whether you meet the legal age requirement in your jurisdiction, please do not register or play. It is illegal for underage individuals to gamble online in New Zealand.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Be aware of these warning signs:
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay gambling debts
- Neglecting work, study, or personal relationships due to gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or depressed when unable to gamble
- Gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Using gambling as a way to solve financial problems
- Experiencing financial difficulties due to gambling
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available.
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Features
Most reputable online casinos and pokie sites offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose
- Session Time Limits: Automatically log out after a set period of play
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders of your playing time and money spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently suspend your account to take a break from gambling
- Cooling-Off Periods: Take a mandatory break before returning to gaming
Use these tools proactively. They are designed to protect you and promote safer gaming habits.
Support Organisations for New Zealand & Beyond
If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, these organizations provide free, confidential support:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (NZ) – Free helpline and support services
Phone: 0800 664 262 (free, confidential)
Website: www.pgf.nz - Gambling Helpline (Samaritans NZ)
Phone: 0800 424 014 (24/7, free)
International Support (if accessing from other regions)
- 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
All support services are confidential and staffed by trained professionals. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling affects individuals and families. If you are struggling with gambling, please reach out to one of the support organizations listed above. Help is available 24/7, and all services are completely confidential and free of charge.
Remember: You are not alone, and recovery is possible with the right support.
If you are in crisis or having thoughts of self-harm, please contact emergency services immediately or reach out to a mental health helpline in your country.