Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

Online pokies and casino games should be enjoyed as entertainment only. They are games of chance with unpredictable outcomes, and the house always has a mathematical advantage. Never view gambling as a way to earn money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. Set a budget you can afford to lose and stick to it.

Age Verification

Online pokies in New Zealand are only available to persons aged 18 years and over. If you are under the legal age, you must not participate in any gambling activities. Operators are required to verify your age before allowing access to gaming platforms.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you recognise any of the following behaviours in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:

• 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
• Neglecting work, study, or personal relationships due to gambling
• Using gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, or emotional problems
• Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
• Experiencing mood swings or irritability when unable to gamble
• Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
• Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling

Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Features

Most reputable online gambling operators provide tools to help you maintain control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Cap the amount you're willing to lose in a set period
• Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders during play to track time and spending
• Session Time Limits: Automatically log out after a set duration
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling platforms
• Account Closure: Permanently close your account if you choose to stop

Use these features proactively to maintain healthy gambling habits.

Support Organisations & Resources

If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, help is available:

New Zealand

• Gambling Helpline: www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz — Free, confidential support (0800 654 655)
• Problem Gambling Foundation: www.pgf.nz — Treatment and support services

International Support

• GamCare (UK): www.gamcare.org.uk — Counselling and support
• GamStop (UK): www.gamstop.co.uk — Multi-operator self-exclusion scheme
• Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
• Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): www.responsiblegambling.org
• National Council on Problem Gambling (USA): www.ncpgambling.org — 1-800-GAMBLER

Take Action Now

If you believe you have a problem with gambling, please reach out for help immediately. Seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Treatment and counselling services are confidential, free, and available 24/7 in New Zealand.

Contact the Gambling Helpline on 0800 654 655 or visit www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz to speak with a trained counsellor.

Remember: your wellbeing comes first. It's never too late to seek help.