Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. They are games of chance and should never be viewed as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and you should only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
Online pokies in New Zealand are only available to individuals aged 18 years and over. If you are under the legal gambling age, please do not participate in online gambling. We are committed to preventing underage gambling and take responsible gaming seriously.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Do you recognise any of these warning signs in your gambling behaviour? If so, you may benefit from support:
- Chasing losses by gambling more money to recover what you've lost
- Gambling with money intended for essentials (rent, bills, food)
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about the amount you gamble
- Experiencing anxiety, mood swings, or irritability when not gambling
- Neglecting family, work, or social responsibilities due to gambling
- Experiencing relationship problems because of your gambling
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Feeling a need to gamble with increasing amounts of money for the same excitement
- Gambling to escape problems or negative emotions
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gambling Features
Many online gaming platforms offer tools to help you gamble more responsibly:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a specified timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose before you stop gambling
- Session Time Limits: Restrict the amount of time you can spend gambling in one session
- Reality Checks: Enable notifications to remind you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from accessing gambling sites
We recommend using these tools to maintain control over your gambling behaviour.
Support & Help Resources for New Zealand
If you're concerned about your gambling or that of someone you know, help is available:
New Zealand Resources
-
Gambling Helpline NZ (Problem Gambling Foundation)
Free, confidential support available 24/7
Phone: 0800 654 655 (toll-free)
Website: www.problemgambling.nz -
Samaritans NZ
Support for emotional distress
Phone: 1737 (24/7 call or text, free)
Website: www.1737.org.nz
International Resources
-
Gambling Help Online (Australia)
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au -
GamCare (United Kingdom)
www.gamcare.org.uk -
GamStop (United Kingdom Self-Exclusion)
www.gamstop.co.uk -
Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
www.responsiblegambling.org -
National Council on Problem Gambling (United States)
www.ncpgambling.org
Take Action Today
If you or someone you care about is struggling with problem gambling, please reach out for help immediately. There is no shame in seeking support. The resources above are confidential, free, and staffed by trained professionals who understand problem gambling.
Contact the Gambling Helpline NZ today: 0800 654 655