Responsible Gaming

Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income

Online pokies should only be played as a form of entertainment with money you can afford to lose. Never view gambling as a way to earn money, solve financial problems, or supplement your income. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and losing is a realistic outcome every time you play.

Age Verification

In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling activities. We are committed to preventing underage gambling and verify the age of all players. If you are under 18, please do not attempt to register or play on any gambling website.

Warning Signs of Problem Gambling

If you experience any of the following, you may have a gambling problem:

• Chasing losses by gambling more to win back money you've lost
• Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, food, bills)
• Hiding your gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
• Feeling irritable or anxious when trying to cut down or stop gambling
• Spending increasing amounts of time and money on gambling
• Lying about the extent of your gambling
• Using gambling to escape problems or relieve stress
• Borrowing money to fund gambling activities
• Neglecting work, study, or relationships due to gambling
• Feeling a constant urge to gamble with larger amounts

Self-Help Tools

Most responsible gaming platforms offer tools to help you maintain control:

• Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified timeframe (daily, weekly, or monthly)
• Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose before stopping play
• Time Limits: Set automatic session time limits to control how long you play
• Reality Checks: Enable pop-up reminders during play to check how long you've been gaming and how much you've spent
• Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling platforms if needed

Use these tools proactively to maintain healthy gambling habits.

Support Organizations in New Zealand

If you need help, support is available from these trusted organizations:

New Zealand

• Problem Gambling Foundation — Free support and counselling for problem gambling
  • Phone: 0800 664 262 (free call)
  • Text: 8393
  • Website: www.problemgambling.nz
• Gambling Helpline — Te Whakatupuranga Whai Hua
  • Phone: 0800 654 655
  • Email: info@gamblinghelpline.co.nz

International Support (if needed)

• Gamblers Anonymous — International peer-support community
  • Website: www.gamblersanonymous.org
• GamCare (United Kingdom) — Confidential support and information
  • Website: www.gamcare.org.uk

Take Action Now

If you believe you have a problem with gambling, seek help immediately. Reaching out to one of the support organizations above is a positive step toward recovery. Problem gambling is treatable, and help is available—you don't have to face it alone.

Remember: gambling should be fun and entertaining. If it's causing you stress, financial hardship, or affecting your relationships and health, it's time to get support.