Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment
Online pokies and casino games should be enjoyed as a form of entertainment only, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. While gaming can be fun and exciting, it's important to play responsibly and within your means. Always remember that the odds are designed in favour of the house, and there is no guaranteed way to win.
Age Verification
In New Zealand, you must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling and play pokies. This is a legal requirement designed to protect younger people from the risks associated with gambling.
If you are under 18, please do not attempt to access gambling services. If you are a parent or guardian concerned about a young person's gambling activity, please reach out to the support organizations listed below.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
Problem gambling can develop gradually. Be aware of these warning signs:
- Spending more money on gambling than you can afford to lose
- Chasing losses by gambling more to try to win back money you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activity from family, friends, or partners
- Lying about how much time or money you spend gambling
- Gambling to escape problems, stress, anxiety, or depression
- Neglecting work, school, family, or other important responsibilities
- Borrowing money to gamble or to pay gambling debts
- Feeling irritable or anxious when trying to cut down or stop gambling
- Failed attempts to reduce or control your gambling
- Experiencing relationship problems due to your gambling
If you recognize any of these signs in yourself or someone you know, help is available.
Self-Help Tools & Safer Gaming Features
Responsible online casinos offer tools to help you maintain control of your gambling:
- Deposit Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to spend during a specific time period (daily, weekly, or monthly)
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose before you must stop playing
- Reality Checks: Receive regular reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've spent
- Self-Exclusion: Temporarily or permanently block yourself from accessing gambling services
- Session Time Limits: Set a maximum duration for your gaming sessions
- Gambling Breaks: Take regular breaks from gambling activities
Make use of these tools to help maintain control and keep gaming fun and within your budget.
Support Organizations
If you or someone you know is struggling with problem gambling, help is available from trained professionals. The following organizations provide free, confidential support:
New Zealand
- Gambling Helpline (Aotearoa New Zealand): 0800 654 655 (free phone and text service, 24/7)
www.gamblinghelpline.co.nz - Problem Gambling Foundation: 0800 042 100
www.pgf.nz
International Support
- Australia - Gambling Help Online: 1800 858 858
www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - United Kingdom - GamCare:
www.gamcare.org.uk - United Kingdom - GamStop (Self-Exclusion Register):
www.gamstop.co.uk - Canada - Responsible Gambling Council:
www.responsiblegambling.org - United States - National Council on Problem Gambling: 1-800-522-4700
www.ncpgambling.org
Get Help Today
If you believe you have a problem with gambling, or if someone you care about does, please reach out for help immediately. There is no shame in seeking support. Professional counsellors are available and ready to assist you confidentially.
Contact the Gambling Helpline (Aotearoa New Zealand) on 0800 654 655 for free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Remember: recovery is possible, and support is available.