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. Like any form of entertainment, gaming involves risk and should only be undertaken with money you can afford to lose.
We are committed to promoting responsible gaming practices and supporting the wellbeing of our players. Please read the information below to understand how to gamble safely and where to find help if you need it.
Age Verification
Online gaming in New Zealand is only available to individuals who are 18 years of age or older. It is your responsibility to ensure that you meet the legal age requirement before participating in any gaming activities. Licensed operators are required to verify player age and comply with all relevant gaming regulations.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following behaviours in yourself or someone you know, it may be time to seek help:
- Spending more time or money on gaming than intended
- Chasing losses by continuing to gamble to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
- Neglecting work, school, family, or social responsibilities due to gaming
- Borrowing money to fund gaming activities
- Experiencing anxiety, depression, or irritability related to gaming
- Feeling unable to control or stop gambling despite wanting to
- Using gaming to escape problems or manage difficult emotions
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent on gaming
- Experiencing financial difficulties due to gaming losses
Self-Help Tools and Features
Responsible gaming operators provide tools to help you maintain control of your gaming activities:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount of losses you are willing to accept in a given timeframe
- Reality Checks: Receive regular notifications reminding you how long you have been gaming and how much you have spent
- Time-Out: Take a break from gaming for a set period without closing your account
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from gaming for a defined period (typically 6 months to several years)
Contact your gaming provider's customer support team to activate any of these tools. Most reputable operators make these features easily accessible through your account settings.
Support Organisations and Helplines
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available. The following organisations provide free, confidential support:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (Te Toiora Tūpuranga): Free helpline 0800 664 262 (available 24/7) | www.pgf.nz
- Gambling Helpline (Saimeha): 0800 654 655 (available 24/7) | www.gambling.org.nz
- Samaritans NZ: 1737 (call or text, free 24/7) for general mental health support
Australia
- Gambling Help Online: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au
United Kingdom
- GamCare: www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (National Self-Exclusion Scheme): www.gamstop.co.uk
Canada
- Responsible Gambling Council: www.responsiblegambling.org
United States
- National Council on Problem Gambling: www.ncpgambling.org
These organisations offer confidential counselling, self-assessment tools, and resources for problem gamblers and their families.
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling can affect anyone. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. If you or someone you care about is struggling with gambling:
- Call the Problem Gambling Foundation on 0800 664 262 (NZ, 24/7)
- Use the self-help tools provided by your gaming operator
- Speak to a trusted friend, family member, or healthcare professional
- Visit one of the support websites listed above for additional resources
Help is free, confidential, and always available.