Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies and casino games should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. They are games of chance with built-in house advantages, and they should never be considered as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Please gamble responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
You must be at least 18 years of age or the legal gambling age in your jurisdiction to access and use online pokies services in New Zealand. It is illegal for anyone under the legal age to participate in gambling activities. If you are under 18, please do not proceed.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you experience any of the following, you may be developing a gambling problem. Please seek help immediately:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Gambling with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement
- Hiding your gambling activities or lying to friends and family about how much you gamble
- Neglecting work, study, or relationships due to gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when you try to cut down on gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or emotional distress
- Gambling with money set aside for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling activities
- Failed attempts to control, cut back, or stop gambling
- Experiencing physical or mental health problems as a result of gambling
Self-Help Tools & Features
Most responsible online casinos and poker sites offer 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: Set a limit on the total amount you are willing to lose during a session or period
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Time Limits: Set automatic session timeouts to limit how long you can play
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gambling services
- Account Restrictions: Request your account to be locked or suspended
Use these tools proactively to help manage your gambling behaviour and maintain control.
Support Organizations & Helplines
If you need help with problem gambling, the following organizations provide free, confidential support:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (Te Hiringa Manawa): 0800 664 262 (free call) | www.pgf.nz
- Gambling Helpline (Samaritans): 0800 006 008 | Online chat available at www.samaritons.org.nz
Australia
- Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
United Kingdom
- GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk | 0808 8020 133
- GamStop (Self-Exclusion Scheme): www.gamstop.co.uk
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org | 1-800-522-4700
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Seeking help for problem gambling is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please contact one of the support organizations listed above. They offer free, confidential assistance and can connect you with professional treatment and support services.
Remember: Help is available 24/7, and recovery is possible.