Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and no strategy can guarantee winnings. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and set strict limits before you start.
Age Verification & Legal Requirements
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to gamble legally. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to access online pokies or other gambling services. If you are under the legal age, please do not use these services. Parents and caregivers should monitor young people's online activity to prevent underage gambling.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you experience any of the following, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement
- Unsuccessful attempts to cut back or control gambling
- Feeling anxious or irritable when trying to reduce gambling
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Lying to family, friends, or therapists about gambling activity
- Jeopardizing relationships, jobs, or educational opportunities due to gambling
- Using gambling to escape negative emotions or stress
- Borrowing money or going into debt to gamble
- Hiding gambling activity or accounts from others
- Neglecting personal hygiene, health, or family responsibilities
If any of these apply to you, please seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online casinos and pokie platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the total amount you are willing to lose during a gaming session
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic reminders about how long you have been playing
- Session Time Limits: Set automatic stop times for your gaming sessions
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently block your access to gambling services
- Account Closure: Close your account if you wish to stop gambling entirely
Use these tools proactively to protect yourself and maintain healthy gambling habits.
Support Organizations & Help Resources
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, confidential help is available:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline NZ: 0800 654 655 (free, confidential, 24/7)
The primary support service for problem gambling in New Zealand - Problem Gambling Foundation: www.pgf.nz
Provides counseling, resources, and support services across NZ
International Resources
- Australia - Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- United Kingdom - GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
- United Kingdom - GamStop: www.gamstop.co.uk
- Canada - Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States - National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org
All organizations listed above offer free, confidential support and are staffed by trained professionals who understand problem gambling.
Need Help? Take Action Today
If you believe you have a gambling problem, please reach out for help immediately. There is no shame in seeking support—problem gambling is a treatable condition, and recovery is possible.
Call the Gambling Helpline NZ today: 0800 654 655
You can also contact the Problem Gambling Foundation or any of the international resources listed above. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you can regain control of your life.
Remember: Gambling should be fun and entertaining. If it stops being fun, it's time to seek help.