Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While playing can be fun and exciting, it's important to approach gaming responsibly and within your means.
Remember: the odds are always in favour of the house. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
Online pokies in New Zealand are only available to players who are 18 years of age or older. If you are under 18, you must not access or use any online gaming platforms.
All reputable gaming operators verify player age before allowing account access and participation in real-money gaming.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs in yourself or someone you know, it may indicate a problem with gambling:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money you've lost
- Gambling with increasing amounts of money to get the same excitement
- Hiding your gambling from family, friends, or professionals
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to cut down or stop gambling
- Neglecting work, study, or personal relationships due to gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems or regulate your mood
- Borrowing money or going into debt to gamble
- Lying to others about the extent of your gambling
- Unsuccessful attempts to control or reduce gambling
- Risk of losing important opportunities (jobs, relationships, education)
If you recognise these signs, reach out for help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online gaming operators provide tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to deposit within a set period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose during a gaming session
- Session Time Limits: Set reminders to take breaks or limit your playing time
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic notifications about your play and spending
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from a gaming platform for a set period or permanently
- Account Closure: Permanently close your account if needed
Use these tools proactively to maintain healthy gaming habits.
Support Organizations & Resources
New Zealand:
- Gambling Helpline NZ – 0800 654 655 (Free, confidential, 24/7) | www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
- Problem Gambling Foundation – www.problemgambling.nz
International Support:
- GamCare (UK) – www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (UK Self-Exclusion) – www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gambling Help Online (Australia) – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) – www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (US) – www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, please reach out for support. Help is available, free and confidential.
Contact the Gambling Helpline NZ on 0800 654 655 or visit www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
Remember: seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Recovery is possible.