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 gaming can be fun and exciting, it's important to approach it with the right mindset and healthy habits.
Remember: the house always has an edge. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never chase losses by betting more than you've planned.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gaming in New Zealand. By accessing gaming services through this site, you confirm that you meet this legal requirement.
If you are under 18, please do not participate in any gaming activities. If you are concerned about a young person's gaming habits, contact the support organizations listed below.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Spending more time or money on gaming than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling with more money to recover what you've lost
- Hiding your gaming activity from family, friends, or partners
- Neglecting work, school, or personal relationships due to gaming
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gaming
- Borrowing money or using credit to finance gaming
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gaming
- Using gaming as a way to escape problems or manage stress
- Repeatedly trying to cut back or stop but being unable to do so
- Experiencing financial difficulties related to gaming
Self-Help Tools & Limit Settings
Most reputable online gaming operators provide tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose during a gaming session
- Session Time Limits: Set reminders to take breaks and limit how long you play
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up notifications that remind you how long and how much you've been playing
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently ban yourself from a gaming site for a set period
Take advantage of these tools to maintain control over your gaming habits. If a site does not offer these features, consider gaming elsewhere.
Support Organizations for New Zealand
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available:
New Zealand-Based Services:
-
Problem Gambling Foundation
Free, confidential support and counselling for people affected by problem gambling
www.pgf.nz
Phone: 0800 664 262 -
Gambling Helpline
Free, 24/7 phone counselling service
Phone: 0800 GAMBLER (0800 426 253) -
Samaritans New Zealand
Support for emotional distress, including gambling-related stress
Phone: 1737 (call or text, free 24/7)
International Support Services:
-
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
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
There is no shame in seeking help for problem gambling. Thousands of people have successfully addressed gambling issues by reaching out to support services.
If you or someone you know is struggling:
- Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation at 0800 664 262
- Call the Gambling Helpline at 0800 GAMBLER (0800 426 253)
- Text or call 1737 for emotional support 24/7
Support is confidential, free, and available whenever you need it. Recovery is possible, and help is just a phone call away.