Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should only be viewed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Like all forms of gambling, pokies involve an element of chance, and the house always has a mathematical advantage. Play only with money you can afford to lose, and never gamble with funds needed for essential expenses such as rent, utilities, food, or healthcare.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to play online pokies in New Zealand. We are committed to preventing underage gambling. If you are under 18, please do not access gambling services. Parents and guardians are encouraged to use parental controls and speak openly with young people about the risks of gambling.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a problem with gambling:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money lost
- Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same level of excitement
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about the amount of time and money spent
- Neglecting family, work, or other important responsibilities due to gambling
- Experiencing mood swings or irritability when unable to gamble
- Using gambling to escape stress, anxiety, depression, or other problems
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Feeling a loss of control over gambling behaviour
- Experiencing financial difficulties as a result of gambling
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control over your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose within a specified timeframe
- Time Limits: Set reminders or automatic session timeouts to limit your playing time
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up notifications at regular intervals to remind you how long and how much you have been playing
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling accounts
- Take a Break: Pause your account for a cooling-off period without accessing gambling services
We strongly encourage you to use these tools as part of your responsible gaming strategy.
Support & Help Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organizations provide free, confidential support:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation – Free confidential support for problem gambling
Phone: 0800 664 262
Website: www.problemgambling.org.nz - Gambling Helpline – 24/7 support
Phone: 0800 654 655
Australia
- Gambling Help Online
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
United Kingdom
- GamCare
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (National Self-Exclusion Scheme)
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
Germany
- Bundeszentrale für gesundheitliche Aufklärung (BZgA)
Website: www.bzga.de
Get Help Today
If you feel that your gambling is becoming a problem, please reach out for support immediately. Recovery is possible, and help is available. There is no shame in asking for assistance. Contact one of the organizations listed above or speak to a healthcare professional, counselor, or trusted friend or family member.
Remember: You are not alone, and help is just a phone call away.