Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment

Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment, not as a way to make money or solve financial problems. While gaming can be fun and exciting, it's important to approach it responsibly and within your means.

Remember: the house always has an edge. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never chase losses or borrow money to gamble.

Age Verification

Online pokies in New Zealand are strictly for adults aged 18 years and over. If you are under 18, you must not participate in online gambling. It is illegal and harmful to your development.

We take age verification seriously and reserve the right to request proof of age at any time.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

Do any of these apply to you? If so, you may have a gambling problem:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
• Hiding your gambling from family or friends
• Gambling with money needed for bills, rent, or essential expenses
• Spending more time or money on gambling than planned
• Feeling anxious, stressed, or irritable when not gambling
• Neglecting work, study, or relationships due to gambling
• Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
• Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
• Lying about the extent of your gambling
• Using gambling to escape problems or negative emotions

If you recognise any of these signs, please seek help immediately.

Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Features

Most reputable online gaming platforms offer tools to help you stay in control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit in a specified period
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose
• Time Limits: Receive reminders about how long you've been playing
• Reality Checks: Pop-up notifications showing your time and money spent
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming sites
• Account Closure: Permanently close your gaming account if needed

Take advantage of these tools. They're designed to protect your wellbeing.

Support Organisations in New Zealand

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

New Zealand

• Gambling Helpline NZ
  Phone: 0800 654 655 (free, 24/7)
  Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org.nz
  Free, confidential support for problem gamblers and their families
• Problem Gambling Foundation
  Phone: 0800 664 262
  Website: www.problemgambling.org.nz
  Resources, counselling, and treatment options
• Samaritans (for crisis support)
  Phone: 1737 (call or text, free, 24/7)
  Available for emotional support and crisis intervention

International Support Services

• Gamblers Anonymous
  www.gamblersanonymous.org
  Worldwide fellowship of problem gamblers
• GamCare (UK)
  www.gamcare.org.uk
• Gambling Help Online (Australia)
  www.gamblinghelponline.org.au

If You Need Help, Take Action Today

Problem gambling is treatable. You don't have to struggle alone. Whether you're worried about yourself or someone else, please reach out to one of the support organisations listed above.

Call the Gambling Helpline NZ on 0800 654 655 or text 1737 today. It's free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Recovery is possible. Help is just one call away.