Responsible Gaming
Introduction
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Gambling outcomes are determined by chance, and the house always has a mathematical advantage. Please gamble within your means and only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling in New Zealand. If you are under the legal age, please do not use online pokies services. It is your responsibility to comply with all applicable laws in your jurisdiction.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available:
- Chasing losses by gambling with more money to recover what you've lost
- Gambling with money needed for essential expenses (rent, bills, food)
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about the amount of time spent gambling
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when not gambling
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts to achieve the same excitement
- Failed attempts to cut down or stop gambling
- Neglecting relationships, work, or other important activities
- Borrowing money or using credit to fund gambling
- Experiencing financial, legal, or relationship problems due to gambling
Self-Help Tools
Most reputable online pokies operators provide tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose per session or week
- Reality Checks: Receive reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've wagered
- Session Time Limits: Automatically log out after a set period
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily ban yourself from accessing gambling services for a period you choose
Use these tools to gamble responsibly and maintain control over your gambling activity.
Support Organisations
If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, the following organisations provide free, confidential support:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation: Free and confidential counselling and support services. Call 0800 664 262 or visit www.pgf.nz
- Gambling Helpline: Call 0800 006 006 for confidential advice and support
International Support Services
- GamCare (UK): www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (UK): www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gambling Help Online (Australia): www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada): www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (USA): www.ncpgambling.org
Take Action Today
If you believe you may have a problem with gambling, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in reaching out. Support services are confidential, free, and available 24/7.
Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation on 0800 664 262 or the Gambling Helpline on 0800 006 006 for immediate assistance.
Remember: gambling should only ever be for entertainment. If it's causing you harm, help is just a phone call away.