Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only. Remember, gambling should never be viewed as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and the outcome of every game is determined by chance. Please gamble responsibly and only with money you can afford to lose.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to gamble online in New Zealand. It is illegal for anyone under the legal age to participate in gambling activities. If you are underage, please do not use online pokies services. We are committed to preventing underage gambling and verify the age of all our users.
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:
- Spending more time or money gambling than intended
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover lost money
- Hiding gambling activity or lying about the amount of time or money spent
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or restless when trying to reduce or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape problems, stress, or negative emotions
- Borrowing money or using savings to fund gambling
- Neglecting family, work, education, or other important responsibilities
- Experiencing relationship conflicts due to gambling habits
- Continuing to gamble despite financial, personal, or health problems
- Failed attempts to control, reduce, or stop gambling
If you experience any of these warning signs, please seek help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gambling Features
Many online gambling platforms offer tools to help you maintain control. Consider using these features:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you are willing to lose in a given period
- Time Limits: Set reminders or automatic session timeouts to control how long you play
- Reality Checks: Enable pop-up notifications at regular intervals to remind you how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gambling platforms to take a break
Take advantage of these tools to stay in control of your gambling behaviour.
Support Organisations & Resources
If you are struggling with problem gambling, professional help is available. Reach out to one of these trusted organisations:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation NZ – Free, confidential support and counselling
Phone: 0800 664 262 | Website: www.problemgambling.org.nz - Gambling Helpline – 24/7 support line
Phone: 0800 006 886
International Resources
- GamCare (United Kingdom) – www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (United Kingdom) – www.gamstop.co.uk
- Gambling Help Online (Australia) – www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
- Responsible Gambling Council (Canada) – www.responsiblegambling.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling (United States) – www.ncpgambling.org
All of these organisations offer free, confidential support to anyone affected by problem gambling, whether you are a gambler or a family member concerned about someone's gambling.
If You Need Help
If you or someone you care about is struggling with problem gambling, please reach out for help today. There is no shame in seeking support – problem gambling is a serious issue, and professional help is available and effective.
Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation NZ at 0800 664 262 or visit www.problemgambling.org.nz to speak with a counsellor.
Remember: You are not alone, and help is always available.