Responsible Gaming

Gambling Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

Online pokies should only be played as a form of entertainment with money you can afford to lose. Gambling is never a reliable way to earn money or solve financial problems. Always play within your means and remember that the odds favour the house.

Age Verification

You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble online in New Zealand. It is illegal for anyone under 18 to participate in online gambling. If you are under 18, please do not use online pokie services.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a problem with gambling:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
• Spending more time and money on gambling than intended
• Hiding gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
• Feeling anxious or irritable when unable to gamble
• Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
• Borrowing money or going into debt to finance gambling
• Neglecting work, school, family, or social responsibilities
• Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
• Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
• Experiencing relationship problems due to gambling

Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Features

Most reputable online casinos offer tools to help you gamble responsibly:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a day, week, or month
• Loss Limits: Cap the amount you're willing to lose during a session
• Reality Checks: Receive reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling sites
• Cool-Off Periods: Take mandatory breaks from gambling accounts
• Spend Tracking: Monitor your gambling expenditure over time

Use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gambling habits.

Support Organisations & Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available. Here are trusted organisations you can contact:

New Zealand

• Gambling Helpline (Aotearoa): www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz | Phone: 0800 654 655 (24/7, free, confidential)
• Problem Gambling Foundation: www.problemgambling.nz | Phone: 09 303 0504
• Samaritans (Mental Health Support): www.samaritans.org.nz | Phone: 1737 (call or text, free)

International Support Services

• GamCare (UK): www.gamcare.org.uk
• GamStop (UK Self-Exclusion): www.gamstop.co.uk
• Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): www.responsiblegambling.org
• National Council on Problem Gambling (USA): www.ncpgambling.org

If You Need Help, Reach Out Today

Problem gambling can affect anyone, regardless of background or income. There is no shame in seeking help. Contacting the Gambling Helpline (Aotearoa) on 0800 654 655 is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Support is just a call away.

If you or someone you care about is struggling, please contact one of the organisations listed above. Recovery is possible, and support is available.