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. Remember that all games of chance are designed with a built-in house advantage. Only gamble what you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble in New Zealand. This is a legal requirement. If you are under 18, please do not participate in any gambling activities on this website or others.
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 money to try to recover what you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
- Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
- Gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Feeling anxious or irritable when you're not gambling
- Neglecting work, study, family, or social responsibilities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Lying to others about the extent of your gambling
Self-Help Tools
Many online gambling platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose before you stop gambling
- Reality Checks: Enable notifications that remind you how long you've been gambling and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling sites to take a break
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic session timers to limit how long you play
Use these tools proactively to keep your gambling under control and within your budget.
Support Organisations
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (NZ)
Free and confidential support for people affected by problem gambling
www.pgf.nz
Phone: 0800 664 262 - Gambling Helpline (NZ)
Free, confidential counselling and support
Phone: 0800 654 655
Available 24/7
International Support
- GamCare (United Kingdom)
www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (United Kingdom)
National self-exclusion scheme
www.gamstop.co.uk - Gambling Help Online (Australia)
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
www.responsiblegambling.org - National Council on Problem Gambling (United States)
www.ncpgambling.org
Get Help Today
If you think you may have a gambling problem or are concerned about someone else's gambling, seek help immediately. There is no shame in reaching out. Support is confidential, free, and available to help you regain control.
Remember: Problem gambling can affect your mental health, relationships, finances, and wellbeing. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you can start your recovery.