Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
Online pokies should only be played as a form of entertainment, similar to going to the movies or playing sport. It should never be viewed as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. Always gamble with money you can afford to lose, and never chase your losses.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to access and use online pokies services in New Zealand. By using this website, you confirm that you meet the legal age requirement and accept responsibility for your gaming activities.
If you are under 18, please do not proceed with any gambling activities.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you experience any of the following, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Constantly thinking about gambling or past gambling experiences
- Needing to gamble with increasing amounts of money to achieve the same excitement
- Repeatedly trying to cut back or stop gambling without success
- Feeling restless or irritable when attempting to reduce gambling
- Gambling as a way to escape problems or relieve stress
- Chasing losses by continuing to gamble to recover money lost
- Hiding gambling activities or lying about the extent of your gambling
- Jeopardizing relationships, education, or job opportunities due to gambling
- Borrowing money or committing fraud to finance gambling
- Feeling a sense of hopelessness or desperation related to gambling debts
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, please reach out for help immediately.
Self-Help Tools & Limit-Setting Options
Most reputable online pokies operators offer the following responsible gaming tools:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you can deposit within a specified time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Restrict the amount of money you can lose during a gaming session
- Time Limits: Set reminders or automatic session timeouts to limit your playing time
- Reality Checks: Receive periodic pop-up notifications during play to help you stay aware of time and money spent
- Self-Exclusion: Voluntarily exclude yourself from gambling platforms for a period of time or permanently
We encourage you to use these tools proactively to maintain control over your gaming activities.
Support Organizations & Resources
If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, the following organizations provide free, confidential support:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation – Free support and counseling for problem gambling
Phone: 0800 654 655
Website: www.problemgambling.nz - Gambling Helpline – 24/7 confidential support
Phone: 0800 654 655
Text: 8393 - Samaritans – General mental health and crisis support
Phone: 1100
Website: www.samaritans.org.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 believe you have a gambling problem, please seek help immediately. There is no shame in reaching out—professional support is available and can make a real difference.
Contact the Problem Gambling Foundation (0800 654 655) or visit their website for confidential support and resources tailored to your needs.
Remember: Your wellbeing is more important than any game.