Responsible Gaming
Introduction
Online pokies should be enjoyed as entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While playing can be fun, it's important to understand that the odds always favour the house. Set a budget you can afford to lose and stick to it.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to access and play online pokies in New Zealand. We are committed to preventing underage gambling and comply with all NZ legal requirements.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognise any of the following signs, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money lost
- Hiding your gambling from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling with money needed for essentials (rent, bills, food)
- Losing track of time or money spent gambling
- Feeling anxious or irritable when not gambling
- Neglecting work, study, or personal relationships due to gambling
- Borrowing money to gamble or pay off gambling debts
- Lying about the amount or frequency of gambling
- Failed attempts to reduce or stop gambling
- Using gambling to escape stress, depression, or other problems
Self-Help Tools
We encourage responsible gambling through the following tools:
- Deposit Limits: Set daily, weekly, or monthly spending caps to control your budget
- Loss Limits: Stop playing once you've reached your maximum loss threshold
- Reality Checks: Regular notifications remind you of time spent and money wagered
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently exclude yourself from playing
- Session Reminders: Set time limits for your gaming sessions
- Account Pause: Take a break from gambling for a specified period
Support Organizations — New Zealand & International
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline NZ: 0800 654 655 (Free, confidential, 24/7) — www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz
- Problem Gambling Foundation: 0800 006 886 — www.pgf.nz
International Support
- GamCare (UK): www.gamcare.org.uk
- GamStop (UK): 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
Call to Action
If you think you may have a problem with gambling, please reach out for support today. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. The organisations listed above offer free, confidential advice and treatment options. Your wellbeing is more important than any game.
Gambling can be addictive. Please gamble responsibly.