Responsible Gaming
Gaming Should Be Entertainment, Not Income
Online pokies should only be played as a form of entertainment, not as a way to earn money or solve financial problems. The house always has a mathematical advantage, and you should never gamble with money you cannot afford to lose. Set a budget for entertainment purposes only, just as you would for a night out or cinema visit.
Age Verification
You must be 18 years of age or older to participate in online gambling in New Zealand. Gambling is strictly prohibited for anyone under the legal age. If you are under 18, please do not access online pokies websites.
Warning Signs of Problem Gambling
If you recognize any of the following signs in your gambling behaviour, you may be developing a gambling problem:
- Chasing losses by gambling more to recover money you've lost
- Hiding your gambling activities from family, friends, or partners
- Gambling with increasing amounts of money to get the same level of excitement
- Neglecting work, school, or family responsibilities due to gambling
- Experiencing mood swings or irritability when unable to gamble
- Using gambling as a way to escape stress, anxiety, or depression
- Borrowing money or going into debt to fund gambling
- Lying about the amount of time or money spent gambling
- Failed attempts to cut back or stop gambling
- Feeling anxious or restless when not gambling
Self-Help Tools & Responsible Gambling Features
Most reputable online pokies operators offer the following tools to help you maintain control:
- Deposit Limits: Set a daily, weekly, or monthly limit on the amount you can deposit
- Loss Limits: Set a maximum amount you're willing to lose in a specified time period
- Reality Checks: Receive pop-up reminders about how long you've been playing and how much you've wagered
- Time-Out: Take a temporary break from gambling for a set period
- Self-Exclusion: Permanently exclude yourself from gambling accounts
Support Organizations & Helplines
If you or someone you know needs help with problem gambling, contact one of these organizations:
New Zealand
- Problem Gambling Foundation (NZ)
Phone: 0800 664 262
Website: www.pgf.nz
Free, confidential support and counselling services - Gambling Helpline (Gamblers Anonymous NZ)
Phone: 0800 GAMBLER (0800 426 253)
Email: [email protected]
Support meetings and peer assistance
International Support Services
- Gambling Help Online (Australia)
Website: www.gamblinghelponline.org.au - GamCare (United Kingdom)
Website: www.gamcare.org.uk - GamStop (United Kingdom)
Website: www.gamstop.co.uk
National self-exclusion scheme - Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)
Website: www.responsiblegambling.org - National Council on Problem Gambling (USA)
Website: www.ncpgambling.org
If You Need Help, Reach Out Today
Problem gambling is a real issue that can affect your mental health, relationships, and financial wellbeing. There is no shame in seeking help. If you recognize problem gambling behaviors in yourself or someone close to you, please contact one of the support organizations listed above. Professional help is available, and recovery is possible.
Your wellbeing is more important than any game. Seek help today.