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. Like any form of entertainment, it should be approached with caution and enjoyed responsibly. Set a budget you can afford to lose, just as you would for cinema tickets, dining out, or other leisure activities.
Age Verification
Online pokies are strictly for players aged 18 years and over in New Zealand. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to gamble or access online gaming platforms. If you are under 18, please do not proceed. If you are aware of a minor accessing gambling services, please report it to the relevant authorities.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Be aware of these warning signs that gambling may be becoming a problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
- Spending more time or money on gambling than intended
- Gambling to escape negative emotions, stress, or personal problems
- Neglecting work, study, family, or social responsibilities
- Borrowing money to gamble or to pay gambling debts
- Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Lying about gambling habits or the amount of money spent
If you recognise any of these signs in your own behaviour, it's important to reach out for support.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you gamble responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount of money you can deposit within a specified period
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount of losses you're willing to accept
- Session Time Limits: Set reminders to take breaks during gaming sessions
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up notifications about your time and money spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently block access to your account
- Account Cooling Off: Request a mandatory break from gambling
Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gaming.
Support Organizations for Problem Gambling
New Zealand:
- Gambling Helpline Aotearoa – Free, confidential support: Call 0800 654 655 or visit www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
- Problem Gambling Foundation – Information and support: www.pgf.nz
- Samaritans Aotearoa New Zealand – Crisis support: Call 1300 or text 5289 (available 24/7)
International Support Services:
- UK: GamCare – www.gamcare.org.uk | GamStop – www.gamstop.co.uk
- Australia: Gambling Help Online – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Canada: Responsible Gambling Council – www.responsiblegambling.org
- United States: National Council on Problem Gambling – www.ncpgambling.org
All services are confidential and free to use.
If You Need Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please reach out for support immediately. There is no shame in asking for help — trained professionals are available to assist you in taking back control of your life.
Contact the Gambling Helpline Aotearoa on 0800 654 655 today. They offer free, confidential support 24/7 and can connect you with local services and resources in New Zealand.