Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Fun, Not a Financial Strategy
Online pokies and casino games are designed for entertainment purposes only. They should never be viewed as a way to earn money, pay bills, or solve financial problems. The odds always favour the house, and losses are a normal part of gaming. Please gamble responsibly and within your means.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gaming in New Zealand. This is a legal requirement. If you are under 18, please do not use online pokie services. If you are aware of a minor accessing gaming sites, please report this to the relevant authorities.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Constantly thinking about gambling or past gaming sessions
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to feel the same excitement
- Repeatedly trying to cut back or stop gambling without success
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to recover money lost
- Hiding your gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling to escape problems, anxiety, or negative emotions
- Jeopardising relationships, employment, or education because of gambling
- Borrowing money or getting into debt to fund gambling
- Lying about how much time or money you spend on gaming
- Experiencing mood swings or irritability when unable to gamble
If you identify with any of these warning signs, help is available.
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gaming Features
Most reputable online gaming operators provide responsible gaming 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: Restrict the amount you're willing to lose during a gaming session
- Reality Checks: Receive regular pop-up reminders of how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Time Limits: Set automatic session timers to remind you to take breaks
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from gaming platforms
- Account Pause: Pause your account for a cooling-off period
Use these tools proactively to manage your gaming behaviour and stay in control of your finances.
Support Organisations & Help Services
If you're struggling with gambling, professional help is available. Below are organisations that provide support and resources:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline (NZ)
Free, confidential 24/7 support
Phone: 0800 654 655
Website: www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz - Problem Gambling Foundation
Counselling and support services
Website: www.pgf.nz
International Resources
- 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 (USA)
www.ncpgambling.org
Take Action Today
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling, please reach out for help immediately. Problem gambling is a treatable condition, and support is available. You are not alone.
Contact the Gambling Helpline (NZ) today: 0800 654 655 — Free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Your wellbeing matters. Seek help now.